NT residents become truancy officers

The federal government’s truancy program will see locals in the Northern Territory act as truancy officers in their attempt to get children back to school.

Aboriginal children in school

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion arrived in Galiwinku today to speak about the program.

He addressed a meeting of 200 people at Elcho Island to promote school attendance in the area.

Galiwinku will be the second community to have local residents act as truancy officers.

Elcho Island doctor Djiniyini Gondarra told the guests in attendance that the community linked school attendance to culture.

"Just like young boys have to attend initiation, children also must go to school," he said.

The federal government initiative is will target 40 Indigenous communities in remote areas of Australia.