The ACT Party said it will campaign to reduce what it calls the “absolutely ridiculous” cost of school uniforms.
It would restrict all state schools to a maximum of three compulsory branded uniform items and require that generic clothing—such as shorts, pants, skirts, skorts, and socks—be available from mainstream retailers, including The Warehouse and Kmart.
According to ACT education spokesperson Laura McClure, the changes could save families around $250 per child each year.
“We fund state schools to deliver education, not to force parents to pay more than they need to for basic clothing.”
“There is no educational reason a pair of navy socks should cost three times as much simply because it has to be bought from one approved supplier.”
McClure said she expected retailers to “come to the party” by offering a good range of options, noting that some already stock the basic items needed.
“The market will decide … there’s always still the school uniform providers as well that will be there, but having that bit of competition means that, I do believe, the cost will drop.”
She ruled out completely scrapping school uniforms, adding that they “instil a sense of pride” and are part of a school’s identity and culture.
“But I think paying $1000, or over $1000, for one set of school uniforms is absolutely ridiculous.”
McClure said she had not yet discussed the policy with coalition partners National and New Zealand First, but she believed they would support it.