Danny Lannen

February 16 2010

The Deputy Prime Minister issued the call in response to concerns voiced by parents of students at Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College, who are facing bills of $1500 for laptop computers.

Parents and the Victorian Opposition's education spokesman Martin Dixon last week complained about the extra impost on parents of students in years seven to 10.

In Geelong yesterday, Ms Gillard said schools made their own decisions about computer education but it was important for young people to be learning on the tool for the 21st century.

Parents finding it tough to make ends meet should get in for their dues.

"In addition to everything we're doing through the digital education revolution we have implemented an education tax rebate which means expenses on education for both primary school students and secondary school students can now form a tax deduction," Ms Gillard said.

"We've asked parents to keep their receipts.

"If they keep their receipts now and they put their tax in they will be able to get a refund on many of the expenses that they have for kids in schools, including computer technology and books."

The Federal Government has promised all students in years nine to 12 would have computers by the end of 2011.