Member for Throsby Stephen Jones said over 18,000 families in the region would start receiving the second instalment of the Schoolkids Bonus from 4 July, in time for parents to purchase back-to-school items for Term 3.

The second installment of the Governments Schoolkids Bonus will start arriving in bank accounts this week, providing welcome relief for thousands of local families facing back-to-school costs, said Jones

Eligible families will receive $205 for each child in primary school, and $410 for each child in high school, injecting more than $7 million into the region.

This money helps parents buy uniforms, shoes, school books and stationery, as well as other costs like school excursions, tutoring, music lessons and sports registration fees.

Stephen Jones said local families would lose this money if Tony Abbott is elected Prime Minister at the election.

Axing the Schoolkids Bonus will mean a typical family with two kids will be $15,000 worse off over the course of their childrens schooling.

I know a lot of families are feeling the pinch right now, and they rely on this extra support to make sure their kids have everything they need for school.

If Tony Abbott becomes Prime Minister, this Schoolkids Bonus payment will be their last.

An Abbott Government will axe the Schoolkids Bonus and hurt local families.

Families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A, as well as young people in school receiving Youth Allowance, and others receiving certain income support or veterans payments are eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus.

For the latest information about the Schoolkids Bonus and other family assistance measures, visit www.australia.gov.au/schoolkidsbonus.