Joint media release
Shadow Treasurer, Hon Angus Taylor MP
Shadow Minister for Education, Senator Sarah Henderson
Recent inflation data has shown the price of sending the kids back to school this week is out of control.
From essentials like pencils and uniforms to healthy breakfasts and lunchboxes, parents are facing shocking double digit price hikes under Labor. Even the humble after school snacks are not immune.
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Australian households are in an unprecedented recession under this bad Albanese Labor Government.
“Household budgets are at breaking point and any parent will tell you, back to school bills are biting,” Mr Taylor said.
“Sadly, many parents are going through the heartbreaking pain of telling their kids there won’t be any sport or dance classes or excursions this new school year.
“But it’s not just those extracurriculars that families are struggling with. It’s the everyday essentials necessary to fuel growing children like a healthy breakfast and lunchbox.
“Charities are reporting an influx of requests for food relief. Many charities are telling us the level of demand they are seeing from hard-working Australians is unprecedented. This simply isn’t good enough in Australia.
“It is clear Labor has no plan the restore the historic collapse in Australians’ living standards and undo the damage of the past three years.
“Australians simply can’t afford another three years of Labor.”
Shadow Minister for Education, Sarah Henderson, said under Labor education costs are becoming increasingly out-of-reach for many Australian families.
“Whether it’s the rising cost of packing a healthy school lunch or purchasing new textbooks and stationery, Labor continues to fail Australian students and their families,” Senator Henderson said.
“Children cannot reach their best potential if they cannot access the basics to succeed in the classroom.
“This year, parents will be forced to pay an average $2,761 for each primary school student and $5,043 for each secondary student.
“Only a Coalition government will fight cost-of-living pressures, build a stronger economy and get Australia back on track.”
**Cost increases under Labor (Mar-22 to Dec-24)**
Back to school:
• Education up 12%
• Sports participation up 17%
• Stationery up 16%
• Technology up 17%
• Kids clothes up 9%
• Haircut up 18%
Healthy Breakfast:
• Cereal up 21%
• Milk up 18%
• Bread up 25%
• Spreads up 12%
• Eggs up 36%
• Juice up 15%
Healthy Lunchbox:
• Drinks (waters, soft drinks and juices) up 15%
• Fruit up 16%
• Cheese up 20%
• Ham (pork) up 10%
• Chicken (poultry) up 12%
• Cakes and biscuits up 22%
After school:
• Snacks up 18%
• Ice cream up 17%