Labor has secured the future of the Schoolkids Bonus for thousands of local families, Leader of the Opposition and Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten said today.

"The Bonus provides eligible families with $410 for every primary school child and $820 for every secondary school child, to help cover the costs of uniforms, books and stationery," Mr Shorten said.

“Once again, Labor has stood up for low and middle income Australians and prevented the Abbott Government from ripping away this much needed support for local families.”

Mr Shorten said that despite the importance of the payment to local families, the Abbott Government had attempted to abolish the Bonus but had been unable to pass the cuts in the Senate.

“In contrast to the Abbott Government, Labor understands how much this assistance means and refused to be a part of the cruel plan to punish low and middle income families.”

"I know how much of a relief this news will be for local  families, many of whom were deeply concerned about their ability to cover the costs of their child’s education without this support.”

Mr Shorten said that the SchoolKids Bonus was introduced in 2012 by the Federal Labor Government to help families with the ongoing costs of their children's education.

"The payment, made in January and July of each year, provides assistance to thousands of local families."

ENDS