That ICPA (Aust) advocate to the Federal Government and all relevant departments for the permanent establishment of a Rural Hardship Education Fund (RHEF), to support rural and remote families eligible for the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) allowance to meet educational costs during times of unforeseen and unprecedented natural disasters.
This year alone, Queensland has experienced devastating and widespread flooding in locations across the state. Whole towns in remote areas have been evacuated and experienced catastrophic outcomes due to unforeseen weather events. Queensland is not the only state affected by these unforeseen events, as South Australia is simultaneously experiencing one of the worst droughts on record, Western Australia has experienced cyclones and bush fires, and other states have experienced weather and industry events outside of their control.
In the wake of catastrophic flooding and other natural disasters, families lose their livelihoods, homes and school rooms where distance education takes place. Geographically isolated families are suddenly faced with the unenviable task of cleaning up and rebuilding in complete isolation while still needing to support their children’s education, often with no warning or safety net.
Rural businesses that experience widespread damage to infrastructure, plant and livestock losses stand to be affected long-term which places enormous financial pressure on many families. Employing a governess to relieve the pressure of educating via Schools of Distance Education (SDE’s) is often impossible due to financial costs falling back on families as no financial subsidy currently exists to assist with the cost of supplying a distance education home supervisor.
Additionally, in rural and remote locations, gaining an education often requires students to leave their homes and communities to attend boarding school and/or to undertake tertiary or training pathways. These natural disaster events are unexpected and impact on the affordability of boarding school fees or assisting their children into further studies. Without financial assistance, the education of disaster affected students is significantly disrupted.
The development of a permanent RHEF would provide emergency relief to families eligible for the AIC allowance in disaster-stricken regions, ensuring their children have access to schooling, tertiary and trade opportunities and provide relief to parents who are educating their children via SDE when their families are struggling to recover. Unforeseen disasters and industry crises are not something that can be planned for. Overnight, family income and abilities to meet educational payments can be taken away.
It is crucial that a permanent Rural Hardship Education Fund is established to provide financial assistance to rural and remote families, ensuring their children can continue their education during and after periods of natural disasters and to reduce educational disadvantage.
