As Australian families prepare for term 1, many will receive letters from their public schools asking them to pay fees.
While public schools are supposed to be “free”, parents are regularly asked to pay “voluntary” annual contributions. The price tag can be significant. For example, in 2023, Victorian public schools received on average A$570 per student in fees, charges and parent contributions. These voluntary fees go towards a range of items, depending on the school – and could include stationary, excursions or other resources.
This week, the Greens announced a A$10 billion election policy to address public school costs.
