Queensland mum, Cindy Bogan, vents her frustration with the cost of back-to-school supplies. Photo: Facebook/Cindy Bogan
A Queensland mother has taken to Facebook to vent her frustration at the cost of her children's back-to-school supplies.
Labelling the $578.10 bill a "joke", mum, Cindy Bogan, shared a photo of the Big W receipt for her kids, who are enrolled in Year 10, Year 8 and prep at public schools in 2017.
"Included in this total is $88," she writes. "$88 for 6 packs of 4 Whiteboard Markers for the Prep students TEACHER. 24 Whiteboard Markers PER student. So if there is 20 students in ONE Prep Class - that's a total of 480 Whiteboard Markers. Are you serious!?" Sharing that while she understands teachers aren't on a "flamboyant" wage, Ms Bogan then takes aim at the federal government, writing, "this is something the GOVERNMENT should be coughing up in order for our children to receive the education they are entitled to!"
Breaking down her family's back-to-school bill, Ms Bogan explains that the total cost shown on the docket only covers the basics. Not included is the $300 for compulsory school uniforms, $150 for appropriate footwear and $150 for what Ms Bogan describes as "sustainable" backpacks, which last more than one school term.
The bill also doesn't account for the $440 combined total she'll need to find for the School Resource Scheme. "Seeing as I have had to provide the A4 paper & tissues - I am unsure what this scheme even covers anymore!" she writes.
The furious mum describes that what has angered her the most is the removal of the income-tested schoolkids bonus, which was phased out in
July 2016. Previously, eligible families received 2 instalments of $215 for each child in primary school or 2 instalments of $428 for each child in secondary school.
"The above cost to myself today is what 74% of Australian Families earn in a WEEK!" Ms Bogan writes, adding that that's without factoring in other costs such as rent, food, electricity and fuel.
Arguing that many families relied on the back to school funding to prepare their kids for the school year ahead, Ms Bogan says, "I hope all you politicians and your ignorance to the average Australian family see this & make the change."
The post has since been been shared over 2,500 times - and has attracted over 2,000 comments.
Many parents voiced their own frustration with the schoolkids bonus being axed - admitting they, too, would be struggling to make ends meet this year.
"I know it's been killer this year without the bonus," one mum wrote. "At this stage our child will be going to school bare foot because we just can not afford to rush out and get shoes for him."
"It's outrageous the additional and often unnecessary costs placed on parents," another commenter wrote. "Wait for the biggest scam of the year: school photos."
Other parents however, directed their criticism towards Ms Bogan, herself, many sharing that they managed to provide for their children before the back-to-school bonus existed.
"I had 4 kids, raised and put thru school without any kids bonus," one woman responded. "Wake up to yourselves. You had them, you pay and educate them. Why should the government or anyone else pay for your kids to go to school?"
Some offered more helpful suggestions for ways to save money and keep costs to a minimum - including shopping around, using $2 shops, and planning ahead.
"I notice that you bought the name brand items, rather than home or store brands," one person responded. "It didn't need to cost you 578...."
"I have 2 high school kids and 2 primary school kids," another wrote. "Managed to get everything on their stationary lists plus a few extras for under $150 delivered from office works.. refund it all and start again."
What are your tips for keeping back-to-school costs to a minimum?
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