The Hon. Jason Clare MP
Member for Baxland
Minister for Education

Senator Jana Stewart
Senator for Victoria

Victorian schools are now encouraged to take advantage of new rebates to visit the nation’s capital, Canberra, in 2023.

The new rebates for schools from outer regional, remote, very remote and disadvantaged areas, available through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program, will make it more affordable for students across the country to visit Canberra this year as part of their civics and citizenship education.

The program includes visits to Australia’s Parliament, the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy and the National Electoral Education Centre at Old Parliament House.

The Albanese Government has also extended the temporary 50 per cent increase in the PACER rebate in 2023 to encourage more schools back to Canberra following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I strongly encourage all Victorians schools to consider a visit to Canberra to see Australia’s democracy in action,” Senator Jana Stewart said.

“Growing up in regional Victoria, I never expected to become a Senator for Victoria. Perhaps a visit to Parliament House, the High Court and the Australian War Memorial could inspire a future High Court judge, Chief of the Defence Force, parliamentarian or Prime Minister!”

Minister for Education Jason Clare said immersive visits to national institutions bring to life our democratic system and our nation’s history in a way that sitting in a classroom could never do.

“The increased rebates will help ensure students who live in low socio-economic areas and those who live far from Canberra do not miss out on these significant educational and cultural opportunities,” Minister Clare said.

“All parliamentarians look forward to welcoming school children from their electorates to Parliament House to experience and learn about civics, citizenship and Australian democracy first-hand.”

The additional funding will also apply to those schools which have already completed visits through the PACER initiative in 2023.

For more information on the PACER rebates available to schools visit www.pacer.org.au.

Quotes Attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart:

“Students from outer regional, remote, very remote and disadvantaged areas often don’t have the same opportunities as those from Australia’s cities. Thanks to the PACER program, schools across Victorians will have the chance will have the chance to visit Canberra and see Australia’s democracy in action.

“A school trip to Canberra provides for an unforgettable leaning experience and an opportunity to inspire students. Programs like PACER make it possible for Australia’s future Prime Minister to come from the Mallee or Victoria’s High Country.”