The Australian Retailers Association has welcomed the NSW State Government’s Back to School voucher program, saying it will provide financial support to small businesses and many families across the state.
From today, NSW parents can access $150 worth of vouchers through the program on uniforms, textbooks, stationery and other school essentials.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said spending vouchers will help offset cost-of-living pressures and boost the retail economy.
“We warmly welcome this initiative, as an extension of the highly successful voucher programs previously introduced by the NSW Government,” Zahra said. “The ARA held ongoing discussions with the government through the pandemic about the power of government vouchers – we are grateful to have a government that listens to business feedback and responds.”
Zahra said that vouchers help bring people into shops, driving a positive flow-on effect for retail and surrounding industries.
He added that the Back to School season is an important time on the retail calender, with this year falling during high inflationary pressures.
“No doubt many NSW residents will appreciate the thoughtful approach as they consider their budgets with cost-of-living pressures continuing to bite,” he said.
“This is a powerful way to not only support budget-conscious NSW families but to also support small business and keep the retail and business economy moving in these challenging times.”
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the summer holidays are a good time for families to start buying supplies for the new school year..
“The NSW Government wants to make sure every child attending school has the opportunity to strive for their best when they are in the classroom and providing access to essential items for learning is our priority,” Perrottet said.
“Parents, guardians and carers, including foster carers, can apply for three $50 Premier’s Back to School NSW Vouchers per child, which can be used at registered businesses towards items including bags, shoes, prescribed textbooks and lunchboxes.
“The end of year is an expensive time for many households with Christmas and family holidays to pay for which is why the NSW Government is investing $193 million into the vouchers to help ease those cost of living pressures.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the NSW Government understands getting ready for the new school year can be expensive and encouraged parents to take advantage of the vouchers to reduce the costs of buying new school gear.
“From small uniform shops to larger stationery retailers, the pick-up from business has been strong already with more than 500 across the State registered to accept the vouchers and more expected in the coming months,” Kean said.
“Not only are the Back to School NSW Vouchers a big help for families in getting kids equipped with what they need, they’ll provide a real shot in the arm for businesses across the state too.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said people can start applying for the vouchers from today, until they expire on 30 June 2023, giving everyone plenty of time to take advantage of the savings.
“Applying for the vouchers is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes using the Service NSW app, on the phone or by visiting a Service Centre,” Dominello said.
“Parents and carers can search for registered businesses in their local area by using the online Business Finder Tool and can use multiple vouchers in one transaction.”
The Premier’s Back to School NSW program is one of more than 70 government rebates and vouchers available through the Savings Finder program.