Budget boosts school transport scheme

22 June 2022

The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) has welcomed yesterday’s State Budget announcement of increased funding for the Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS).

The Budget included an extra $1.8 million over four years for the scheme which provides school transport subsidies to eligible families.

QCEC Executive Director Dr Lee-Anne Perry said the scheme provided targeted help for the families of students in non-government schools.

“This scheme helps eligible families with the costs of getting children to and from school,” Dr Perry said.

“Transport is just one of many costs families have to meet in educating their children and the extra funding announced in this year’s State Budget will ensure that families are supported appropriately,” she said.

Dr Perry said Catholic schools could also apply for funding announced in the Budget for upgrades to school transport infrastructure such as crossings and drop-off zones.

“The government has made and additional $40 million available which is open to applications from schools in all sectors.”

QCEC also welcomed the recurrent and capital funding for the Catholic sector included in the Budget.

“This funding affirms the commitments made by the Queensland Government at the last election.

“The Catholic sector recognises this funding is an essential element in keeping schools affordable and maintaining a choice in education for Queensland families,” Dr Perry said.