School equity programs get $51 million in ACT budget

The government will spend $21 million over four years for Chromebooks for all year 7 to 12 students, including $2.8 million over four years to provide internet access for secondary students who need it as well as a new e-safety program.

The early childhood set up for success plan will get a $12.5 million boost to support vulnerable three-year-olds in early education services and increase the number of early childhood teacher scholarships to 12.

The high school bursary scheme will be redesigned as a $11.5 million Future of Education Equity Fund to reach about five times as many students.

An extra 25 youth and social workers will be employed at a cost of $7.4 million over four years to provide early intervention and support for students and their families.

The budget will include $1.5 million for a trial to deliver free breakfast and lunch to 1500 vulnerable students three days per week.

Inclusive education will get a $450,000 boost while $445,000 will go to free and confidential legal advice for college students.

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Chief Minister Andrew Barr said some of the measures were election commitments.

"As we continue to meet the challenges of this pandemic, the ACT government has prioritised spending on the future of our children and young people to ensure they develop the knowledge and skills to operate in our rapidly changing world," he said.

Education Minister Yvette Berry said the spend was in line with the next phase of the 10-year future of education strategy.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that every young person has access to a great education, taking into account and responding to their circumstances and unique needs," Ms Berry said.

The ACT 2021-22 budget will be handed down on October 6 after it was delayed because of the lockdown and changes to the Legislative Assembly sitting schedule.

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