457 visa for australia -- do you have to pay school fees?

[Lozzer]

I just read Ghosty's thread on her passport woes, and the kind of visa her family needs to go to Australia in order to avoid paying fees as state schools.
I am also about to move to Melbourne, and wonder if anyone knows if the 457 visa (company sponsored, two-year stay) means that state schools are free? Or if you have to pay?
Am quite in a panic now.....
Lorien

Thanks, SueW. I found a someone in the education department of Victoria today who explained that the 457 visa entitles children to free state education, which is great. I alo checked up on the tax situation, and yes, you are quite right, there is a tax break for using private schools (would be great if I could find any that had spaces....)
Many thanks for your help, Lozzer