That ICPA (Aust) encourages the Federal Government and relevant departments to commit to the continuation and long-term funding of the Commonwealth Regional Scholarship Program (CRSP) beyond the current pilot program ending in 2029.
The Commonwealth Regional Scholarship Program (CRSP), introduced in 2024 as a pilot initiative, was warmly welcomed by the Isolated Children's Parents' Association Australia (ICPA) members and provided successful applicants with the opportunity to attend boarding school at a subsidised financial cost.
For many families living in regional and remote Australia, boarding school is the only viable option for children to access compulsory secondary education. The CRSP provided significant financial relief and is an important acknowledgement by the Federal Government of the financial pressures faced by geographically isolated families seeking equitable educational opportunities for their children.
With the current pilot program due to conclude in 2029, ongoing funding and long-term commitment to the CRSP would provide certainty for families and continue supporting students who, through no fault of their own, are unable to access quality secondary schooling locally.
