The Victorian Government has announced it is considering further measures to ensure that parents send their children to school each day, with State Education Minister Martin Dixon not ruling out the threat of financial penalties.

The measures include amendments to the Education and Reform Training Act 2006, which already requires students to attend school.

“Attendance is one of the key factors in helping students reach their potential,” Mr Dixon said.

“This new Bill is another step towards making sure students are at school – giving them every opportunity to succeed.

“This Bill will mean parents who fail to send their children to school regularly – without good reason – will receive an infringement notice akin to a parking ticket, rather than having to be pursued through the courts,” Mr Dixon said.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is seeking the community’s views on the proposed amendments. To view the proposal and provide a submission, visit: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx