The federal government has introduced a controversial bill to link welfare payments to school attendance. They intend to trial this system in WA and NT before rolling it out in other states.

Home education is not truancy so this should have no effect at all on registered home educators but will be a problem for unregistered home educators if this plan proceeds as they stand to lose their centrelink payments.

There is opposition to the scheme from the opposition, the public and within the ALP.

Relevant news articles:

August 25: Govt to Trial Welfare Cut Scheme in NT, WA
August 26: Truants Have No Chance in Life: McKew
August 26: Labor MPs Cry Foul Over Welfare Cuts (no longer on internet)
August 27: Schools Asked to Dob in Truants to Centrelink
August 27: Truancy Plan Should Give Parents Rewards: Welfare Group
August 27: Government Urged to Consider Student Engagement Officers