Students in Bonner will benefit from the Morrison Government’s record $5.4 billion funding for schools in Queensland next year, up from $5.1 billion in 2021.

Funding for Queensland schools has almost doubled since the Morrison Government came to office, and is locked in to grow a further 38 per cent between now and 2029.

Government schools in Queensland will see the biggest increase, from $1.7 billion in 2018 to $2.9 billion in 2029.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Government’s record investment in Queensland schools was an investment in their future.

“We’re giving kids in Bonner the best possible chance to get the best education and reach their full potential,” Mr Vasta said.

“We have many highly regarded schools in Bonner, filled with hard-working dedicated teachers and the Government is backing them, so they can focus on giving their students the best education.

“Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Citipointe Christian College in Carindale, who will benefit from this funding.  This school is reknowned for its facilities, passionate teachers and vibrant school community.

“It was fantastic to catch up with college Principal Pastor Brian Mulheran to hear of the opportunities that are being presented to students to aid their development and how this funding will assist.”

Citipointe Christian College Principal Pastor Brian Mulheran said, “As a member of Associated Christian Schools, the College welcomes the Government’s funding to strengthen education.”

“The funding by the Government continues to support the democratic nature of our society to grant parental choice for educating their children,” Pastor Mulheran said.

“Increased funding is required by schools as needs increase. Needs such as student well-being which is vital to improve educational outcomes.”

Minister for Education and Youth Hon Alan Tudge MP said, “Locking in record funding means states, territories and schools can now focus on lifting standards.”

The National Curriculum is also under review, with the independent body ACARA currently seeking public feedback on draft proposed changes.

To secure Australia’s recovery, the Morrison Government will continue to support tens of thousands of Bonner’s small and family businesses—the backbone of our community.

As part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Morrison Government will back small businesses by continuing tax incentives which will allow around 20,400 businesses in Bonner to write off the full value of eligible asset they purchase.

Additionally, around 8,200 businesses in Bonner will be able to use the extended loss carry back measure to support cashflow confidence. This has helped businesses invest more in the local economy and create local jobs.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said supporting local small and family businesses will help to stimulate more economic activity and create more jobs.

“Bonner is home to incredible small and family owned businesses. Backing these businesses, means we are making sure they are able to thrive and keep Australian’s in jobs, which is more important than ever,” said Mr Vasta.

“The support delivered by the Morrison Government is impacting businesses like Chocolate Elements which has just opened in Wynnum. Last week I had the pleasure of dropping in on store owners Phil and Dawn, a couple who have put their heart and soul into starting this delicious business.

“Being a new business, Phil and Dawn are really pleased with the support our Morrison Government is delivering, making sure not only their business, but all existing and future small businesses can feel supported as we recover from COVID-19.”

In more good news, around 1,000 small brewers and distillers across the country will benefit from $255 million in tax relief to support more jobs and investment as part of the Budget, including Wynnum’s Hudson Brewery.

The Morrison Government is committed to assisting local businesses to grow, create jobs and support Australia’s economic recovery.

Every child in Bonner who is about to start school will benefit from $1340 as part of the Morrison Government’s $2 billion commitment to ensure every Australian child can attend kindergarten.

The Commonwealth is offering new four-year agreements to states and territories, including $352 million for Queensland school years 2022-2025.

• The $1340 per child will need to be passed on for every child, regardless of whether they attend ‘kinder’, ‘preschool’ or a kindergarten program at a centre-based day care.
• From 2024, states and territories will need to set and meet attendance targets agreed to by all jurisdictions.
• The Commonwealth will work with states and territories to develop and implement a kindergarten outcomes measure.

The funding would provide greater certainty for the kindergarten sector and benefit around 62,000 children attending kindergarten in Queensland next year.

The current Universal Access National Partnership (UANP) gives children access to 15 hours of kindergarten per week (600 hours per year), but only 72 per cent of children make full use of the available hours.

Attendance rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (60 per cent) and disadvantaged children (66 per cent) are even lower.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP welcomed the funding, saying the reforms would benefit all local children attending kindergarten.

“Bonner is a fantastic place to raise a family and its essential we are supporting our young families by providing access to quality kindergartens,” Mr Vasta said.

“This week I had the pleasure of visiting Lead Childcare in Tingalpa where I caught up with the centre manager Krissy who was very pleased with this announcement. It was great to hear positive feedback from someone with extensive experience in this sector as well as a passion for fostering an environment where wonderful levels of learning and care for our children takes place.

“Children who fully engage in kindergarten and early education are generally better prepared to start school, and enjoy better educational outcomes.

“The Australian Government’s partnership with Queensland has seen continuous improvements to kindergarten enrolments, but enrolments alone do not produce outcomes – participation does.”

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said it was the first time a federal government had committed to ongoing funding for kindergarten.

“This is a significant reform that will mean children in Bonner are better prepared for school, can get the most out of their early years of learning, and ultimately achieve more in the long-term,” Minister Tudge said.

“Regardless of where a child gets their kindergarten education, they will benefit from the Federal Government’s $1340.

“These reforms will boost the quality and impact of kindergarten education in Australia.

The new agreements would be linked to reforms that lift kindergarten attendance and school readiness.

The funding brings the Morrison Government’s total investment in early childhood education and care to $3.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget, including $1.7 billion to improve affordability of child care for families with multiple children aged five and under.