THE Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association is heading to Canberra this week with a mission to secure essential reforms to alleviate the financial pressures on families and incentivise much-needed workforce development, particularly in early childhood education in rural and remote areas.

With rising costs and diminishing support, the delegation will place a spotlight on issues that deeply affect rural families – education accessibility and the sustainability of early childhood services.

ICPA president Louise Martin

ICPA is the national voice for equitable access to education in rural and remote Australia.

Federal President Louise Martin said rural and remote families were being crippled by outdated policies and support structures that simply did not reflect the reality faced by people in the bush.

“We’re paying inflated boarding fees due to an unfair tax system, while the Basic Boarding Allowance hasn’t kept pace with rising costs which was meant to cover 55pc of those fees,” she said.

“We are here in Canberra to demand reform – access to education is a right, not a luxury, and families in the bush shouldn’t have to choose between debt and education for their children.”

This isn’t charity; it’s parity

For the first time, ICPA is calling on the Federal Government to overhaul the Fringe Benefits Tax and GST on education-related expenses to relieve the financial burden on families in rural and remote Australia.

“This isn’t charity; it’s parity,” Ms Martin said.

“Research shows families are paying up to $2000 extra per student each year due to the FBT, all while living costs keep rising. These are the very families feeding the nation, yet they struggle to feed their own. It’s time for fair treatment—not policies that push them into financial hardship,” she said.

Beyond financial relief, the ICPA is also pushing for immediate action to address the critical shortage of Early Childhood Educators in rural areas. Ms Martin said rural communities were on the brink of collapse without adequate staffing to support young children’s development.

“The pay disparity between rural and metropolitan early childhood educators is disgraceful. We’re asking these educators to do more for less, in regions that desperately need them. Without financial incentives to attract and retain qualified staff in remote areas, our children will be left behind, and the cycle of disadvantage will continue,” she warned.

“ICPA is determined to ensure every rural and remote child has access to the education they deserve.”

The ICPA’s delegation will be meeting with Federal MPs across all major parties in Canberra between 9-11 October, with the hope their lived experience and modest reform requests will be met with serious consideration and, most importantly, action.