Pricing policies/Administered payments

Pricing policies

The department has some limited service-delivery activities that require pricing of goods and services. In accordance with the government’s policy on fees and charges the department is working towards pricing models which are generally based on full cost-recovery and/or commercial rates.

The department maintains a Fees and Charges Manual that provides information on the fees and charges for which the department is responsible. These are subject to ongoing review.

Fees and charges subject to the Fee Units Act 1997 were revised and gazetted in accordance with the provisions of that legislation on 31 March 2005.

Administered payments

The department administers certain grant and subsidy programs, which are outlined below.

Accommodation allowance for tertiary students

An allowance is paid to approved tertiary students, who are residents of Tasmania, to assist with accommodation expenses where they are required to live away from their primary place of residence to undertake their chosen course of study.

In 2004-05, an allowance of $1,050 was paid to eligible students receiving Youth Allowance or other equivalent Australian government benefits, and to students approved under the special family provisions of the scheme.

Commonwealth grants to non-government schools

This grant program relates to Australian government funding for non-government schools. These funds are administered on behalf of the Australian government’s Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) and, upon receipt, are forwarded to non-government schools.

Non-government schools: Capital assistance

These grants are made to non-government schools and non-government school authorities for assistance with eligible capital projects in accordance with sections 64 and 65A of the Education Act 1994.

Non-government schools: Grants

The program covers the cost of grants which are distributed to registered non-government schools in accordance with Part 5, Division 3 of the Education Act 1994 and Part 6 of the Education Regulations 1995.

Non-government schools: Student assistance

This includes the operation of the Student Assistance Scheme, which provides assistance for eligible students towards the cost of school levies and the coverage of costs for the supply of spectacles to students whose parents are unable to provide them.