Labor has helped half a million families with the cost of living by making school uniforms cheaper.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced over 10,000 free uniforms or essential school items have been delivered to students who need them at twenty-two schools across the Greater Shepparton LGA, and over 7,800 free uniforms or essential school items at twenty-three schools across the Mildura LGA.

Across Victoria, over 500,000 free uniforms or essential school items have been given to students.

This means a total of $19 million is back in the pockets of hardworking Victorian families.

The Affordable School Uniform program has received more than 200,000 applications since the start of 2024.

The program is delivered by State Schools’ Relief - providing free uniforms and other essential school items to students in public schools who need them.

Labor has also changed the Student Dress Code Policy to ban school logos on shorts, pants, skirts and socks in Victorian public schools.

This change means a family with two children in public school could save up to $167 on uniform costs compared to last year.

Arrangements are in place to make sure that uniforms already purchased can continue to be worn.

Our $75 million investment in State Schools Relief is one of the many ways the Allan Labor Government is helping busy school families with the cost of living.

When Jess Wilson’s Liberals were last in government, they cut Free Fruit Friday and the Young Readers Program.

Only Labor can be relied on by families to provide real cost of living support.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll

“No child should miss out on a great education because they can’t afford a school uniform.”

“Labor understands that school costs can add up for families – and we’re on their side.”

“That’s why we’re making uniforms cheaper, delivering free eye exams and glasses, free dental checkups, free school breakfasts, free swimming lessons, free pads and tampons in public schools, and more.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“Only Labor has real solutions for families in Shepparton struggling with the cost of living – like making school uniforms cheaper.”