The NSW Opposition says Premier Chris Minns is out of touch with NSW families and doesn’t understand the current cost of living crisis after he was unaware of his cuts to Back to School vouchers.
“In their first Budget, the Minns Labor Government axed the Liberals and Nationals Government’s Back to School vouchers, a cost of living assistance package that gave all parents $150 per child in vouchers to help with the costs of school supplies, uniforms and technology,” Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said.
“In a comment which shows that Chris Minns doesn’t get the current cost of living crisis, he remarkably declared that ‘Back to School vouchers haven’t been changed’”.
“If Chris Minns isn’t aware of his own decisions to axe cost of living support for families, how can he possibly begin to understand the impact of his cuts?”
Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the axing of Back to School vouchers follows Chris Minns’ decision to break his election promise and slash Active Kids, Creative Kids and First Lap vouchers.
“The Opposition understands the importance of helping families with the cost of school, sports and extracurricular activities – that’s why we implemented these vouchers,” Ms Mitchell said.
“In another example of just how out of touch the Minns Labor Government is, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education described this important support as a ‘cash splash’.”
“Families are paying the price for Labor’s Budget mismanagement. The Opposition will continue to fight for families and for more support to address the increasing cost of living.”