LNP says truancy a core issue

A PLAN to get kids off the streets and into schools will be announced by the State Opposition today after figures revealed there were 63,090 unauthorised and unexplained absences across Townsville last year.

The LNP has pledged to tackle truancy rates by trialling four truancy prevention officers in Townsville and Cairns.

The $ 3 million plan will require schools to refer to an officer for investigation any child who is absent for more than five days without a reasonable excuse.

It comes after the Bulletin revealed last week through the Fair Go for Kids campaign that 30,000 regional students did not finish high school.

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said truancy was a problem across the state with 78,779 unauthorised absences last year with Education Department figures revealing Cairns and Townsville were truancy hot spots.

“Our investment of $ 3 mil- lion is aimed at getting kids and their families re- engaged in the school community and education and ensuring they have access to support that helps prevent truancy and further problems,” he said.

“If the trial is successful in Cairns and Townsville, the LNP will consider expanding the program to other areas in the state.”

Townsville’s crime wave has been linked to the region’s truancy struggles in the past with Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor telling the Bulletin in February that keeping children in school was a key factor when addressing youth crime.

The LNP’s policy will also introduce education parental agreements enabling schools and authorities to work with parents where there are issues of truancy or misbehaviour.

Local community organisations across Townsville and Cairns will also be engaged to provide counselling and parenting support to those parents voluntarily entering the parenting agreement process.