Families in Brimbank, Moonee Valley and Maribyrnong will begin receiving the second installment of the Gillard Government’s Schoolkids Bonus next week.

The Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, said 6,100 local families would start receiving the payment in their bank accounts from July 4^th.

The payments will support 10,750 eligible primary and secondary school kids in the Maribyrnong electorate, in time for parents to purchase back-to-school items for Term 3.

Overall, almost $3.2 million will be paid to families in the electorate.

“The Schoolkids Bonus is one of the measures this government has introduced to help lighten the load for local families,” Mr Shorten said.

“From next week, eligible families will receive $205 for each child in primary school, and $410 for each child in high school.

“This money helps parents buy uniforms, shoes, school books and stationery, as well as manage other costs like school excursions, music lessons and sports registration fees.”

This is the second instalment this year for local families, with the first instalment arriving before school started in January.

“The feedback I’ve had from local families was that the first instalment of the Schoolkids Bonus in January was a welcome relief at a time when family budgets were stretched.

“I’m sure that this next payment will be equally welcome.”

Mr Shorten said he was concerned that families in Melbourne’s west would lose this money if Tony Abbott is elected Prime Minister.

“Axeing the Schoolkids Bonus will mean a typical family with two kids in Maribyrnong will be $15,000 worse off over the course of their children’s schooling.

“I know a lot of families are feeling the pinch right now, and they rely on this extra support to make sure their kids have everything they need for school.

“As the holidays come to a close and parents start getting the kids ready to go back to school, they will know how helpful the Schoolkids Bonus is for them.

“If Tony Abbott becomes Prime Minister, this Schoolkids Bonus payment will be their last.”

Families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A, as well as young people in school receiving Youth Allowance, and others receiving certain income support or veterans’ payments are eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus.

For the latest information about the Schoolkids Bonus and other family assistance measures, visit www.australia.gov.au/schoolkidsbonus or ‘like’ our Australian Families Facebook page.

ENDS

Contact: Jayne Edwards 9326 1300 / 0410 455 737 [email protected]