Premier Steven Miles to make school lunches free for state primary school students, if elected this month.
Backed by $1.4 billion investment over the next four years.
Expected to save busy families about $1,600 per student, per year.
Premier Steven Miles has today announced a new major cost of living measure to make lunches free for children in Queensland’s State Primary Schools – easing pressure on families and helping Queensland kids focus in the classroom.
In the biggest reform to education since Prep, Premier Steven Miles will make school lunches free for State Primary School students.
From 2025, the initiative would make a healthy school lunch available for free for all State Primary School students in Prep to Year 6.
It’s expected to save parents $1,600 per child, each year.
High food prices are one of the biggest pressures families tell us they’re under. And that means - right now - too many kids are going to school hungry.
We all want kids to have the best start in life - and they learn best with full tummies.
The meals will be delivered in partnership with the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops, P&Cs Queensland, school Principals, Health and Wellbeing Queensland and non-government food providers.
Evidence clearly shows that nutrition directly impacts the learning and development of children, with clear links between attention and hunger.
Stable blood sugar levels support concentration and learning, which is why having a meal available at school for free is so important to giving kids the best start.
The evaluation of universal free school meal programs around the world demonstrates a return of 2.5 times to 7 times in human health and economic benefits.
Long term studies have demonstrated that universal free school lunches lower social inequality, lift women’s participation in the workforce and help to prevent childhood obesity.
Children who have received free school lunches on average go on to earn more and live healthier lives than where there are no universal programs available.
The measure builds on more than $15 million in funding secured as part of the 2024 State Budget to deliver the School Breakfast program in schools around the state.
Through this, more than 180,000 students from 499 Queensland State Schools have access to food programs, including free breakfasts and healthy snacks.
It’s all part of the Miles Labor Government’s nation leading cost of living relief package – supporting Queenslanders with the pressures they are facing now, while planning for a better future.
The over $11 billion package includes:
Free Kindy for four-year-olds, saving families up to $4,600.
A textbook and resource allowance of $155 per student for Years 7 to 10, and $337 per student for Years 11 and 12.
Access to free and subsidised digital learning devices, backed by a $30 million investment.
Share the Dignity vending machines in schools, offering free period products.
Access to GPs in schools.
There are more than 326,000 Queensland State Primary School Students, in years Prep to Year 6 in 2024.
Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:
“Making sure Queensland kids have the best start in life is something I’m very passionate about.
“Today, I make the commitment that a healthy lunch will be available to all State Primary School students for free if elected this month.
“That will put money back in the pockets of Queensland parents and relieve pressure on parents on busy school nights.
“And it’s universal to avoid stigmatising the kids that need the food the most, but also to ensure that it supports every Queensland family too.
“Being a parent is hard but this is one way that I can make a difference.
“Fundamentally, this is an investment in our state’s future.
“I’m doing what matters to deliver for Queenslanders now and support the next generation to thrive.
“Just like 50 cent fares, free school lunches for our littlest Queenslanders is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but I need a mandate to do so in my own right.”
ENDS