“That ICPA Qld lobbies the Minister of Education to seek an urgent review of the Direct Measure of Income (DMI) funding model for independent schools that offer boarding.”
For families in rural and remote Queensland, boarding is not a privileged choice—it is a necessity. With only 45 boarding schools across the state, these institutions play an essential role in ensuring children from isolated regions have access to education. The state run school system cannot accommodate all these students, making independent boarding schools a critical part of the education landscape. However, under the DMI funding model, rural families are facing increasing financial strain.
Despite assistance programs such as the Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) and the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) scheme, the cost of boarding and education is becoming untenable for many families. Without intervention, some families may be forced to withdraw their children, potentially leading to disengagement from education and a loss of opportunities for these students. Every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of geographic location or financial circumstances. A review of the DMI funding model is essential to ensure that independent boarding schools remain accessible and affordable for the families who depend on them.
Addressing this issue is critical to preventing further inequities and ensuring the sustainability of this vital education pathway for rural and remote students.
