Isolated families will have their internet costs subsidised by the Territory Labor Government up to $165 month – an increase of $110 – to better support their children’s online learning.

More than 50 isolated families and their children, who undertake study via distance education, will benefit from the subsidy.

The increase recognises the importance of every child and young person having reliable access to education services regardless of where they live. 

The subsidy will remain in place while the NT Government works with stakeholders including the ICPA to identify a long term solution to ensure that students and young children accessing distance learning have more consistent and sustainable internet services.

The subsidy comes on top of other support provided to students living on properties and other isolated areas, including teacher and support staff home visits, assistance for students with additional needs through the coordination of support services, the conveyance subsidy and additional allowances for boarding students.

Quotes from the Minister for Education Lauren Moss:

“Every Territory child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to a quality education.

“For students in isolated areas, that means having access to reliable and affordable internet services so they can learn through the wonderful NT School of Distance Education.

“The NT Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association has strongly advocated for better and more affordable internet services for isolated students. 

“We have listened and acted on their feedback and will continue to work with them and isolated families to further enhance their children’s learning through distance education.”

Quotes from the NT Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association President, Sarah Cook:

“We will continue to work with the Northern Territory Government to make sure our children are receiving the best education possible.

“This increase to the $165 subsidy is a great step in reaching a long term sustainable set up for distance education.

“Today we are at the NT Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association conference in Alice Springs and it is wonderful that we have been able to share this news with our community.”