School Saving Bonus 

Following yesterday’s Department School Saving Bonus webinar, we have received significant feedback from members. In May when the State Budget was released and in subsequent meetings with Departmental staff, a key undertaking was to minimize workload implications associated with the SSB rollout. However, the feedback we are receiving reflects growing concerns about substantial workload pressures anticipated in the coming weeks.

This coming Friday, the SSB funds will be transferred to schools via the High Yield accounts, with the total payment calculated based on enrolment numbers as of 15 November 2025. Parents and carers will have access to the SSB starting Tuesday, 26 November. This timeline leaves schools with just one day (Monday, 25 November) to receipt the funds and prepare for distribution to families.

Given that this impacts every student in every school, the timeline is extraordinarily tight and places significant workload pressures on school administration teams.  This is an unrealistic expectation, particularly given the volume of transactions.

Such a compressed and unrealistic timeline not only creates logistical challenges but also risks overwhelming school staff, who are already managing end-of-year activities. It underscores the importance of realistic planning to ensure smooth implementation of significant funding initiatives like the SSB. Needless to say, I have expressed concerns with the Department regarding the impracticality of the timeline and will keep members informed of any updates and outcomes.