The student contribution fee for dependent of 457 and 482 visa holders attending government schools in regional areas is being waived. The move is expected to attract more foreign workers to settle or work in regional South Australia.

The exemption applies to all eligible students attending schools in regional areas and is effective from the 2019 school year. Previously, skilled workers with a sub-class 457 and 482 visa were required to pay a student contribution fee. In 2019, fees can be up to $5,300 per primary school student and $6,400 per high school student.

The student contribution fee was introduced by the former Labor Government in 2017, with immediate effect, for newly arriving families and then was extended to all 457 and 482 visa holders from the beginning of 2018. The Marshall Liberal Government’s $350,000 investment is expected to benefit around 80 current regional students, but the decision is particularly expected to benefit regional businesses struggling to attract workers.

Education Minister John Gardner said the Government was focused on making living and working in regional South Australia more attractive to migrants. “This significant investment will support regional businesses to meet the skills shortages and attract the skilled workers they need to grow,” said Minister Gardner. “The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to unlocking economic activity in our regions, creating more jobs and strengthening regional communities.

“Waiving this fee for children of migrant families attending a regional public school is an incentive for more foreign workers to settle or work in regional South Australia and contribute to the state’s growing economy. “We expect this move to grow business activity and employment in our regions, and to contribute to the vibrancy of regional schools and communities.”

The full list of schools that qualify for the fee exemption are available at www.education.sa.gov.au.

Source: https://www.mia.org.au