Australian Federal Government's 2008 Budget Tax Rebate for Education

Education Tax Refund

From 1 July 2008 the Government will introduce a new 50 per cent Education Tax Refund in the form of a tax refund. Parents entitled to Family Tax Benefit part A, or whose school children receive Youth Allowance or similar payment, will be able to claim the tax rebate. Click here to review the Federal Government Fact Sheet

Who can get Family tax Benefit Part A

SUMMARY:

• A 50 percent tax refund up to $750 in eligible educational expenses for each child undertaking primary school studies which represents a maximum refundable tax offset of $375 per child.
• A 50% per cent tax refund of up to $1,500 in eligible education expenses for each student undertaking secondary school studies which represents a maximum refundable tax offset of $750 per child
• Parents may claim a 50% refund for eligible education expenses incurred when they complete their 2008/09 income tax return, such as:
  • Laptops;
  • Home computer and associated costs;
  • Home Internet connection;
  • Printers and paper;
  • Education software;
  • School textbooks materials; and
  • Prescribed trade tools

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE that those eligible will receive the full value of the Education Tax Refund, regardless of their income tax liability.

To see if you are eligible for the tax rebate click here!

The Australian Federal Government's Digital Education Revolution for Schools

Overview as quoted on the Federal Governments web-site and make sure your children's schools get access to these funds...

The Digital Education Revolution, a major part of the Australian Government Education Revolution, is a vital step in creating a world-class education system for Australia.

The aim of the program is to contribute sustainable and meaningful change to teaching and learning in Australian schools that will prepare students for further education, training and to live and work in a digital world.

The Australian Government is committing new funding of $1.2 billion over five years to provide for:

• the National Secondary School Computer Fund, providing grants of up to $1 million for schools to assist them to provide for new or upgraded information and communications technology (ICT) for secondary students in years 9 - 12;
• the Fibre Connections to Schools initiative, a contribution of up to $100 million to support the development of fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP)broadband connections to Australian schools;
• collaboration with states and territories and Deans of Education to ensure new and continuing teachers have access to training in the use of ICT that enables them to enrich student learning;
• $32.6 million over two years to supply students and teachers with online curriculum tools and resources to support the national curriculum and conferencing facilities for specialist subjects such as languages;
• the development of online learning and access that will enable parents to participate in their child's education;
• $10 million over three years to develop support mechanisms to provide vital assistance for schools in the deployment of ICT provided through the National Secondary School Computer Fund.
  Link to the Australian Federal Government's 2000 budget - Education Revolution - Improving our schools - Digital Education Revolution.

The Australian Government is committed to working with state and territory governments, Catholic and Independent school systems to make sustainable and meaningful change in the way teaching and learning are delivered in Australian schools.

Support and cooperation from important stakeholder groups, such as parent, teacher and principal organisations is imperative for the success of the initiative. Consultation with key stakeholders will continue throughout the implementation of the Digital Education Revolution.

Applications for Round Two of the Fund are now open for secondary schools with years 9 to 12 students. In order to apply in Round Two, schools will need to be registered on School Entry Point.