The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will extend the Back to School vouchers to help cover the cost of school excursions in Term 1 and Term 2, helping to further ease financial pressure on household budgets as students return to school.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said more than 1.9 million vouchers have already been redeemed since the program was launched, with families spending more than $412 million on school items.
“Our long-term economic plan is supporting parents by easing financial pressure on household budgets through this important program,” Mr Perrottet said.
“By allowing parents to use these vouchers for school excursions we are providing yet another measure to ease financial pressure on back to school costs.
“The Back to School Vouchers are proof that only the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government can deliver real cost of living relief for families and have a plan to build a better future for the people of our State.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Back to School NSW vouchers are supporting every school-aged child get ready for school.
“Whether your child is about to begin Kindergarten or is heading to high school, whether that’s at a government school or home-schooling, families have until 30 June to apply for and spend their vouchers,” Ms Mitchell said.
“From new backpacks and textbooks, to a school excursion, the Premier’s Back to School vouchers are there to help.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said more than 647,000 families have downloaded the vouchers, with 97 per cent giving the program the thumbs up.
“The vouchers are a win-win – parents receive a boost to their budget, while businesses get more customers through the door, with an average of $214 spent for every $50 voucher,” Mr Dominello said.
“Applying for the vouchers is simple and easy via Service NSW. You can download them with just a couple of taps of your phone, or call Service NSW or visit a Service Centre.
“Finding a registered business is made easy with the Business Finder tool available on the Service NSW website, giving parents a bird’s-eye view of where they can spend them.”
Families have until 30 June 2023 to apply for and redeem their vouchers.
For more information about the vouchers visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au/back-to-school-vouchers.
Customers can search for registered businesses here: https://vouchers.service.nsw.gov.au/vouchers/providers-search/