Published: Tuesday, 16 December 2025
Recommendations from ICPA (Aust) to the Federal Government in the Pre Budget Submission for 2026-2027:
- An immediate increase to the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Basic Boarding allowance to cover 55% of the average cost of boarding, restoring the allowance to its original intent and subsequently an annual increase aligned to the CPI Education: Sub Index.
- An increase to the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Distance Education Allowance and alignment to the CPI Education: Sub Index.
- An increase to the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Second Home Allowance and alignment to the CPI Education: Sub Index.
- The extension of the AIC Distance Education Allowance to 3–4-year-old geographically isolated children accessing an approved distance education early learning program.
- Assured funding for rural and remote Mobile Early Learning Services.
- Establish a Rural Hardship Education Fund (RHEF) – a permanent financial assistance mechanism to ensure that rural and remote students can continue their education uninterrupted during times of hardship.
- Increase the parental income threshold for dependent Youth Allowance for regional, rural and remote students (RRR)
- Reform of the Liquid Assets Waiting period for rural, remote and geographically isolated Students.
