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Labor Government To Cover Cost Of Texting Parents During An Emergency

12 February 2016

The Andrews Labor Government will fund text messages sent out to parents during emergency situations at Victorian government schools.

All schools across the state have access to software that enables them to communicate with parents and carers via SMS text message.

This service provides the ability to send SMS text message notifications of student absences, sick bay attendances and emergencies.

This software has been operating successfully in 121 schools and has been available to all schools since September 2015, however there was an associated cost.

Schools do not have to pay any set up costs for the service but there was previously a cost of 7 cents per SMS.

This cost will now be covered by the Labor Government in the event of an emergency.

All Victorian Government schools have emergency management plans and this SMS service is available for schools to use in their planning and response to emergencies.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, James Merlino

“We're making sure that schools can get in contact with parents straight away if anything goes wrong. It's a little thing - but it will make a big difference to every parent's peace of mind.”

“The service will be able to be used for free in any type of emergency situation including bushfires.”

“The latest hoaxes have been a timely reminder about the importance of schools quickly notifying their parent communities, after first ensuring the safety of students and staff.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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