And with the Schoolkids Bonus phased out this year, they’re left to cover the cost on their own.

Some of those affected took to the Daily Liberal’s Facebook page this week to vent their frustration, in some cases saying they’ve spent upward of $600 to meet the checklist.

Others, however, believe parents need to be better prepared in what is the reality of raising children.

Mother-of-four Anne-Marie Grubb expressed her concern after spending almost $650 before uniforms or school fees.

She said the added expectation of students providing their own tablet or laptop devices is placing a huge strain on parents.

“Not every parent can afford home internet, or a computer/laptop for their child to use to finish their homework on, so the child misses out,” she wrote.

“I’m lucky I was able to get the children the things they needed (calculator for Year 4 student? Headphones for all three in primary?) but there are a lot of families that won’t be able to.” 

The Australian Retail Association (ARA) estimated parents can pay up to $745 for school clothing, $100 for stationary, $300 for an iPad/tablet, $200 on school fees, up to $100 on parents and friends or citizens assocations and around $30 per excursion.

“I would estimate a price increase of between 10 to 15 per cent for back to school products, however some costs may have increased more than others, especially for imported products,” ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman said.

On the other side of the fence are people like Val Longmire who said taxpayers contribute a lot to assist families and it’s time parents took responsibility.

“If you can’t afford to contribute to the education of your own children maybe you should have thought a little harder before having them,” she said.

“That being said everyone should have the right to an education so maybe the government should be funding schools better instead of the school kids bonus?”

Bec Moses said parents can’t rely on the government to pay for the choices they’ve made.

“I understand that a lot of families can't afford it,” she said.

“I get it and there are services, agencies and programs that can help, along with great schools that can be flexible should families need support.

“Our government simply can not afford to give out all the bonuses that they used to, we are very blessed to live in a country where every child can attend school...

“Personally I consider it a long term investment, a quality education – is that not the greatest thing we can give our children?”