Our local state primary uniform costs about $150 for the full kit.

Our own private school uniform is about $800 for the full kit, but another local private one is over $1,000.

Middle school uniform list
http://internet.faithlutheran.qld.ed...409%20MSSS.pdf

You should add that it is private too, that makes a massive difference to the cost, certainly here in Perth. (I am my schools uniform shop manager!)

I paid about $140 for 3 shirts, 2 pairs shorts, school bag, jumper, sports shorts and 3 pairs of school socks.

Have since bought sports top for $20 and will need to buy trousers when it gets cooler. It's not too bad, but you can still buy them at Target and places more cheaply - the colours just don't always match exactly.

I note with interest you manage the school uniform shop, My sons school which is a public school have this ridiculous uniform that cannot be bought anywhere else and is purchased through "back 2 basics" the school say they only charge a couple of $'s extra per item to cover the cost of using credit cards, I cannot believe that a school would monopolise this practice if there is nothing in it for them, a complete winter uniform is $320. I'm all for the kids looking smart but it's a rip off and everyone just pays it and puts up with it, why do Australians never protest for a fair deal!!!

Our school makes a couple of dollars per item profit. The only things that have logos are the polo shirt and the zip jacket. Every other item we sell can be purchased at Big W or Target for a little less. Our summer dresses we sell for $45, they cost me $43 to purchase. Polo shirts cost $19 and I pay $16.50. Uniform is a good source of income for most schools. It starts getting expensive when you add logos to things so this is where the cost for your school will be.

Looks like the supplierrs are the ones making all the money, they can't even say they were made in Australia as most of it comes from China.
I think it's cheaper to go on M&S website and get some good quality shorts and trousers shipped over for a fraction of the cost and wait for the fallout from the school and argue the toss when they complain the trousers are slightly different shade, this is after being washed 10 times and hung in the hot sun and still remain the same color unlike the school offering which is now several shades lighter when originally bought for $30 as apposed to £5 from M&S

What a brilliant idea!! I never thought of that, import school basics from M&S! You are a star and the exchange rate is so favourable. I wonder if M&S will do the free shipping deal that they had on about a year ago? Worth looking out for that or even buying a bulk load getting the bigger sizes for the future if they do one postage cost. Could always sneak in a few under garments as well.

It has to be cheaper for the schools, maybe there's a business opportunity, even with shipping it's got to be cheaper than buying from target for the parents. Definitely have the underwear, you can't beat it for value and quality, don't want to brag but bought 5 pairs for £5 on a recent trip (well actually bought 25 pairs for £25)

Interesting question....

24 Mar 2010 ... Catholic school teachers strike across state.
12 Mar 2010 ... Concerned members of Brisbane's music community turned out in force yesterday (March 11) to protest a proposed 2am shutdown
18 Nov, 2009 ... Simmering rage over public housing in the Hunter boiled over yesterday when about 70 people gathered for a protest in Charlestown, NSW.

Why do people assume that Australians never protest for a fair deal ???

Because it would seem things don't change, and they don't like to appear as whinging.

But some things do change, and many people do complain, and get changes.

My local paper today has details of a Ratepayer Rally, to sort out the recent rate valuations.

There was a movement last year to stop a local Quarry being built, it was stopped.

There are many such events, so to say that it never happens in Australia, appears to be wrong.

There have even been plenty of protests to stop various Woolworths opening in some areas, because the residents don't want them.