Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

As we know, communities, families, schools and their students are all affected by drought and those school communities themselves play a very valuable part in supporting students and families in helping them through the stresses and the tough times that come with these circumstances. Some schools offer fee concessions, discounts; others have had to step up financial assistance counselling or counselling services to individual students. The funding that we are providing is intended to help ensure that schools remain financially viable, that students who need it are supported with additional counselling services, that assistance is there for families in drought affected areas in terms of fee relief where they need it—all of which complements other programs such as the Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme, which provides targeted assistance to support families in rural and regional Australia. We're applying this program in a way where we're seeking applications from schools in drought affected areas to make sure the dollars flow to those who need it most.