Regional Victoria faces alarming rise in student absenteeism rates

By Contributed

Jul 10, 2024

Recent data from the Department of Education reveals a 33.6 per cent increase in student absenteeism in 2023 for Year 7 students in regional Victorian Local Government Areas. Photo by Getty Images

Regional Victoria is facing a worrying rise in student absenteeism, according to recent data from the Department of Education.

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In 2023, Year 7 students in regional Victorian LGAs missed an alarming 354,549 school days, a 33.6 per cent increase from 2019.

Key areas affected across the region include:

Greater Shepparton: the area saw a 10 per cent increase in average absent days per student, with 187 fewer enrolments.
Campaspe: despite six additional enrolments, the region witnessed a 41 per cent increase.
Mitchell: the area witnessed a 33 per cent increase, with three fewer enrolments.
Benalla: the region saw a 37 per cent increase, with 35 fewer enrolments.
Strathbogie: the area experienced a 139 per cent increase, with 27 fewer enrolments.

This rise in absenteeism aligns with recent Programme for International Student Assessment data showing that reading, maths and science scores for 15-year-old Victorian students were at record lows.

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland described the local figures as deeply troubling.

“With so many of our regional towns dealing with significant disadvantage, it is imperative that education opportunities are there for our younger generations and that young people are kept engaged,” she said.

“We’ve already seen this government fail to uphold promises when it comes to improvements for our local schools, and now we are seeing areas like the Strathbogie Shire have the second-largest increase in the average absent days per student in the entire state.

“Our towns are in desperate need of more support from this government, who has time and time again failed to provide a situation for our regional communities to thrive.”

Early Childhood and Education Shadow Minister Jess Wilson said more engagement was crucial to developing life skills of young Victorians.

“Less time in the classroom and at school will only reduce a student’s ability to learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce and pursue future educational and career pathways,” Ms Wilson said.

“It’s clear that Victoria needs a new approach, and the Allan Labor Government must explain what it is doing to support regional students and their families to remain engaged with their education and school community.

“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage our education system and Victorian students are paying the price.”

The Victorian Government has been contacted for comment.