Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, has welcomed free quality educational material for parents home-schooling children during the coronavirus pandemic.

“There are many challenges facing families during this pandemic, and I understand that parents are anxious about what to do with their children,” Ms Templeman said.

“For those parents keeping their children at home during this difficult and stressful time, the ABC has created useful educational content for children across a broad range of subject areas, including English, maths, science right through to financial literacy, health and physical education, and the arts and technologies.

“The resources are available free online for both primary and secondary students.

“There is also a rich and broad amount of content available on TV via iView.

“The ABC provided us with emergency broadcasting services during the bushfire crisis, and is once again stepping up to help our children.

“This is yet another reason to properly fund our national broadcaster.”

Ms Templeman said that, like many parents who had contacted her office, she had been frustrated by the unclear information presented over school closures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At a time when we are facing a global health emergency, parents and school staff need clear advice from government. It’s unfortunate that there have been mixed messages with the Prime Minister saying different things from some Premiers,” she said. “If you’re confused about whether you should send your child to school, you should follow the advice of the NSW Government, or if your child goes to a non-government school, the advice of your local school.

“Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, Labor