Increased school attendance officer presence in Alice Springs over holidays

School attendance officers will continue to work during the upcoming holidays as part of the CLP’s mission to crack down on community issues in Alice Springs.

Education Minister Jo Hersey meets with School Attendance Officers who have commenced patrolling Northern Territory schools, with powers to fine parents whose kids skip school. Picture: Supplied.

School attendance officers will work throughout the Christmas holidays as the CLP pushes to address community safety issues in the Red Centre.

The increased presence of officers in Alice Springs over the break aims to help build positive relationships with families to drive school engagement in 2025.

Education and Training Minister Jo Hersey said department staff would work alongside other government departments and local organisations to ensure family engagement.

Officers will have an information stall at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre in January, where they will provide enrolment and attendance advice for families ahead of Team 1.

School Attendance Officers to work over Christmas holidays in Central region.

It follows 130 compliance and infringement notices across the Central region in Term 4, including 75 directions to attend school, two directions to enrol and 10 infringement notices.

“The Department is also partnering with Tangentyere Council to visit all town camps and support enrolments and return to country where possible,” Ms Hersey said.

“The team will work with students and their families who have an open student engagement case to support student transitions across primary, middle and secondary years.”

The CLP has contributed $180,000 to Alice Springs Town Council and Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation to deliver youth holiday programs, as well as $92,000 to Yirpirinya School.

“Families are listening and are working with the Department of Education and Training to support their children to return to school,” Ms Hersey said.

“The CLP is delivering on their election commitment to build an experienced cohort of School Attendance Officers across the Territory, getting kids to school and on the right track.”

Induction and orientation for five new school attendance officers will start on January 13, including a two-week practical and theoretical on-the-job training.

This follows the government’s announcement of the circuit breaker program on Friday, which supports young people at risk and holds their parents accountable for their child’s behaviour.

Circuit Breaker aims to address the root causes of offending behaviour, encourages parental accountability, and breaks the cycle of harmful behaviours.