The federal Indigenous affairs minister says he is pleased with new school attendance data, showing an increase in enrolments, but admits there is still work to be done.
Minister Scullion has sung the praises of his Student Attendance Officers - known as SAOs - telling NITV News they have had a direct impact on getting kids to school and increasing enrolments across the country.
But there is still work to be done.
“The process is working very well, but mixed results at the moment.”
While enrolments are increasing, attendance rates still aren't meeting their targets, and some have even gone backwards.
With a Northern Territory teachers' strike scheduled for Tuesday, many challenges still lay ahead.
But Mr Scullion said he was at odds with the unions over the teachers' positions on the issue.
"I believe they've got the resources. They’ve got more kids; they’re quite excited about that," he said.
"I haven't met a teacher who says 'listen I can’t cope with this'."
Attendance rates will also be challenged during the dry season, as many young men take off for extended periods of time for traditional customs.
