Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the need for the Queensland School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) to be comprehensively reviewed to better match the educational and transport needs of Queensland students.  

Currently, students living in a school catchment area (as defined by the Department of Education) do not always have access to subsidised public transport to that school.  The Department of Transport and Main Roads prioritise network “connectivity” over educational needs – even going as far as to define which school a child should attend.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House do all within its power to have the Queensland Audit Office (or another independent third party) conduct a statewide review of STAS to create a more flexible school transport scheme that aligns with the expectations of the Department of Education, parents and students.