Crackdown on truancy and public submissions on the oil and gas exploration bill w/ ACT's Simon Court: 30 September, 2024

The government has finally delivered on a long talked about policy, a major crackdown on truancy in schools. 

Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced a three part ‘STAR’ plan, to be put in place by the beginning of the 2026 school year. There are various consequences for students absent between five and 10 days, but for students absent for 15 days, parents may be fined and prosecuted. 

Many schools and teachers have taken issue with the policy, saying everyone wants their child at school, but the root of the issue can often be much deeper. 

For their weekly catch up Producer Evie spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about the crackdown, and why the government believes it will be effective. 

They also talk about public submissions on the oil and gas ban reversal bill, which are open for only four business days, considerably shorter than submission time for most bills.