Children Banned From Hermannsberg Shop During School Hours

The Territory Opposition is pleased that the community of Hermannsberg has adopted a ‘No school – No service’ policy for kids during school hours.

“Last month I asked Alice Springs businesses to support a proposal that would see them refusing to serve school aged children during school hours unless they have a note or a pass,” says the Shadow Minister for Business, Jodeen Carney.

“I’ve been encouraged by the level of support I’ve received for my proposal but am still waiting for the Territory Government to come on board.

“During the recent Parliamentary sittings I asked the Minister for Education, Marion Scrymgour, whether the Government supported a ‘No school – No service’ policy.

“The Minister didn’t answer – which effectively means no the government doesn’t support a ‘No school – No service’ policy.

“The Labor Government repeatedly shies away from taking tough decisions about the Territory’s shocking truancy rates.

“Shortly after coming to office Territory Labor axed funding for truancy officers and Labor has not prosecuted a single parent for failing to send their children to school. It also fiercely resisted linking school attendance to welfare payments.

“Now it stands mute about a plan being embraced by communities grappling with the issue on their own.

“The fact is everyday looks like school holidays in Alice Springs at the moment, there are just too many kids not going to school and a fresh approach is needed.

“It’s appalling that thousands of kids across the Territory are missing out on an education.

“No School – No Service is a variation of the reasonably successful No School, No Pool initiative that exists in some remote communities.

“No School – No Service has been operating in other towns in other states by agreement amongst local businesses. The aim is to make being in the CBD during school hours less appealing.”

2008-05-13