THERE was good news to kick-start the SA Isolated Children's Parents' Association annual conference with the group gaining a major victory.
Member for Stuart Dan van Hollst Pellekaan began the conference by reading a letter from Education Minister John Gardiner regarding the State Education Allowance.
Effective immediately, the SEA will be doubled, going from $2149.99 each year to $4299.98.
The SEA is available for families that are in receipt of the Assistance for Isolated Children payment and have children at secondary level who board away from home to attend school or have set up a second home in order to educate their children.
It assists families with travel, boarding and other expenses involved in this education.
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The SEA allowance has been a recurring topic at the SA-ICPA conference across its years, and was again included in a motion calling for an increase at this year's conference, which was withdrawn with this announcement.
SA-ICPA president Jill Greenfield said this was "exciting news" and a "very big win".
"The last time it was put up was probably $200," she said.
Ms Greenfield said she had checked and this increased payment was not just related to the drought but would be ongoing.
"It definitely makes a big difference, when the average boarding costs are more than $40,000 per year per student," she said.
More from the SA-ICPA conference to come.
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Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
