The Nationals WA, in Government, will substantially boost the Boarding Away from Home Allowance (BAHA) and introduce a travel allowance for boarding families, providing much needed financial relief to families in remote and rural communities.
Candidate for Central Wheatbelt, Lachlan Hunter stated that increasing the payment to $2,700 per student per year would restore the allowance to its previous level before Labor slashed support for regional families.
In addition, a $500 travel allowance for each student recognises the importance of keeping students and families connected throughout the school year while acknowledging the significant rise in transport costs, particularly in regional WA.
“This $2.4 million boost to the Boarding Away from Home Allowance will provide immediate cost-of-living relief for around 1,300 regional students and their families,” Mr. Hunter said.
“When Labor won government in 2017, the allowance, funded by the Royalties for Regions program, was $2,100. Since then, they have slashed the BAHA annual payment by $750, reducing it to just $1,350 in 2023.”
The Nationals WA will ensure the Boarding Away from Home Allowance is reviewed annually to reflect the Consumer Price Index (CPI), education costs, and rising boarding fees.
“The cost of boarding rises every year in Western Australia, yet government support has failed to keep pace,” Mr. Hunter said.
“The Nationals WA are committed to reviewing BAHA annually in a responsible and structured way to ensure regional families receive the support they need and deserve.”
By increasing BAHA, The Nationals WA will help families remain in regional areas and strengthen local communities by ensuring boarding school remains a viable and affordable option.
“The Nationals WA will continue to stand with regional families, listen to their concerns, and fight for fair access to education,” Mr. Hunter said.
