Advocates for bush kids from across the country are coming together in Darwin for the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) Annual Conference.

In the 52nd Annual Conference, branch delegates will meet with Federal Ministers and departmental representatives, bringing motions from across the country to raise on a national stage. 

Branches from the Western Plains are contributing several motions, seeking action on early childhood teacher pay parity and a change in eligibility criteria for Independent Youth Allowance. 

Basic access to education, however, remains a priority for remote students across the country.

“Some families in our area have secondary aged school children but there is no physical access to a school anywhere near them within several hours drive,” said ICPA NSW President Tanya Mitchell, who hails from Bourke. 

“The AIC (Assistance for Isolated Children scheme) does not cover anywhere near the cost for those children to go away to school,” Mrs Mitchell said. 

ICPA Australia President Alana Moller said that the AIC is becoming a major issues for isolated families across the country. 

“It just has not kept up with the increased expenses, particularly out of pocket expenses, for families educating their children at boarding school,” Mrs Moller said. 

According to Services Australia, the maximum rate in 2023 for an AIC boarding allowance is $9,396, with a potential $2,695 addition subject to parental income and actual costs. 

A big agenda

Across the two day conference, there are 70 motions that will be discussed and debated. 

At the time of reporting, two local motions have been carried from the Walgett branch, both regarding government allowances and scholarships to access education.

“A couple of other key priorities is a review into distance education so that it is accessible by all children and also the implementation of the school drive subsidy for preschools and tertiary students,” Mrs Mitchell said. 

“We have so many parents that aren’t working or that are unable to continue in roles because there is physically no early childhood services in that area…we have a lot of professionals that could come into rural communities but they’re unable to because there is no access to childcare,” she said. 

The Bogan Bush Mobile - one of the services supporting remote families.

With a focus on a diverse range of issues, conference attendees will be joined by several senators and the Regional Education Commissioner, hopeful their advocacy will be brought to the attention of the government. 

“Our families..should not have those disadvantages just because of where they live and work. They should have equitable educational opportunities to tier urban counterparts,” Mrs Moller said. 

“We know they don’t and everything needs to be done to bridge that gap.”