From recess to the Reef: $6 million Kids for the Reef program opens

The Albanese Labor Government is helping more students experience the Great Barrier Reef, with applications opening today for the $6 million Kids for the Reef School Excursion Rebate Program.

Part of the $10 million Reef Educational Experience Fund (REEF) this program will subsidise the cost of excursions to the Great Barrier Reef for eligible schools and registered home educators.

The rebates will give students in years 4 to 12 first-hand understanding of the Reef's ecological significance through immersive educational experiences.

Rebates will be distance-based, with higher payments available for schools in outer regional, remote and very remote areas, schools with lower socio-educational scores, and schools taking First Nations students on eligible excursions. The program will run until June 2028, or until funding is fully allocated.

REEF has already contributed $1 million in grants for local Reef tourism operators and delivered $3 million of funding for Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) to deliver marketing and education campaigns about the Reef in overseas markets.

The Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO) is using REEF funding to develop and deliver a specialised Train-the-Trainer Program for Great Barrier Reef tourism operators.

The Reef Educational Experience Fund is part of the Albanese Government's $18.5 million targeted regional support, including $8.5 million to support Central Australia, to grow and strengthen Australia's tourism industry.

Further information about the rebate and how to apply here: Kids for the Reef school excursion rebate program | Austrade

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

"This program will give more students the opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef up close and understand why it is one of our greatest natural assets.

"By making these excursions more affordable, we're helping to build a stronger appreciation of the Reef and the drive to protect it for future generations.

"Kids for the Reef delivers on the Albanese Government's commitment to support tourism in Far North Queensland and make it easier for more Australians to connect with this remarkable part of our country."

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Tourism Nita Green

"The Great Barrier Reef is an important part of Australia's tourism offering, and also a vital part of our identity."

"Kids for the Reef will help to connect students from across Australia with experiences that they will take with them for life. We're inspiring the next generation of champions for the world's largest collection of coral reefs."

"While the Reef faces new and ongoing challenges, it's important that we support tourism operators to continue sharing this extraordinary place with future generations."

Quotes attributable to the Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith

"For Far North Queenslanders, the Great Barrier Reef is part of our daily life and an important source of local jobs."

"This program provides practical support for our local tourism industry, bringing more students to the region and to local businesses."

"Kids for the Reef is an investment in the future of this iconic destination, helping the next generation to understand the value of protecting the Reef."

Quotes attributable to CEO of AMPTO Gareth Phillips

"Every student in Australia will have the opportunity to understand the complex beauty of the world's largest living organism by seeing it for themselves."

"With AMPTO delivering a specialised train-the-trainer program, we can be confident that schools will be proud to participate in this program, and that the result will be ongoing stewardship of the Great Barrier Reef."

Quotes attributable to CEO of TTNQ Mark Olsen

"Reef tourism operators have been inspiring visitors and school students about the Great Barrier Reef for many years, and this program takes that to the next level. By investing in our people, we are creating a lasting legacy of reef educators embedded within tourism businesses right across the Great Barrier Reef."

"Reef tourism operators are uniquely placed to connect young Australians with the Reef through immersive, hands-on experiences. This initiative will help operators grow their capacity, strengthen relationships with schools, and align existing and future programs more closely with the Australian Curriculum, ensuring students leave with a deeper understanding of one of the world's most remarkable natural ecosystems."