Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

This government has certainly made a significant commitment to the extent of tens of millions of dollars to lift school attendance rates in remote schools through the Remote School Attendance Strategy, and I am pleased to report that that strategy is taking effect. It has been rolled out in 73 schools in the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Early signs show a sustained upward trend, and this is delightful news for those communities. The average attendance rate is up by 5.1 per cent compared with term one in 2013 in the 40 communities participating in stage 1. Importantly, we are already getting an unprecedented level of data and cooperation through all the participating jurisdictions. I take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who is involved and supporting us in this important initiative.