Voluntary contributions and subject contributions revenue as included in the NSW Department of Education’s Annual Report, and as included in individual NSW government school Annual Reports.

Data Notes:

• Voluntary school contributions are payments made by parents or carers to enhance available educational programs.

• Subject contributions are payments made by parents or carers to fund elective subjects which the student is enrolled in, for resources that go beyond the minimum requirements of the curriculum.

• All schools may request contributions from parents and carers of students enrolled in the school to enhance educational programs.

• The payment of voluntary school contributions is at the discretion of parents and carers. The NSW Education Act states that instruction provided in government schools is to be free of charge, except for overseas students. Students must have access to the minimum curriculum and not be denied the opportunity to meet syllabus requirements because of non-payment of voluntary school contributions.

• Schools may request contributions for elective subjects for resources that go beyond the minimum requirements of the curriculum following consultation with the school community. Parents and carers who are unable to pay elective subject contributions because of financial hardship may be eligible for assistance from the school.

• Principals can decide on voluntary school contributions and elective subject contributions following consultation with the school community, through structures such as the Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) or the finance/resourcing committee.

• Principals must ensure that students and families who are unable to make a voluntary school contribution or elective subject contribution do not experience any embarrassment or discrimination. Schools must maintain confidentiality and privacy regarding payment of contributions.

Data Source:

• Financial Controlling, Finance Directorate, NSW Department of Education.