Question on Notice 1291/2026: Number of applications

Topic

Number of applications

Question

With reference to the eligibility criteria for the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) which limits funding to nearest-school eligibility, in situations where educational, curriculum or enrolment circumstances can limit viable school choice— Will the Minister advise (a) how many STAS applications were refused during 2025–26 because the student did not meet the nearest-school eligibility requirements, (b) whether any review has been done of scheme anomalies, including where the nearest school is unsuitable for a student’s needs, (c) whether STAS eligibility will be amended to remove the nearest-school rule where a student can demonstrate a needs-based requirement to attend a different school and (d) if the answer to (c) is no, whether STAS will provide hardship or appeal exemptions to students restrained by current nearest-school rules?

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