Absenteeism on the rise

School absenteeism has significantly increased under the Allan Labor Government, with year seven students across Gippsland missing almost a month of school each year, according to Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath.
And, the second highest increase in absenteeism is occurring in Baw Baw Shire.
Ms Bath said analysis of statistics spanning from 2019 to 2023 revealed a troubling rise in average absentee days for year seven students across the region.
The Department of Education and Training data also shows years seven to 10 students lost an average of 29.2 school days across 2022-23, whilst students in years 11 and 12 lost an average of 23.4 school days over the same period.
Ms Bath, who is shadow parliamentary secretary for education, said skyrocketing school absenteeism cannot be swept under the carpet by the government.
"There is an urgent need to address the rise in absenteeism as students are missing out on vital classroom education.
"These year seven students lost up to 150 days of face-to-face learning during the pandemic which has significantly impacted their educational continuity.
"School attendance data reveals absenteeism for year seven students in Baw Baw Shire increased by 45.16 per cent, resulting in an average of 28.47 absent days per student; Cardinia increased by 38.95 per cent, with 27.32 days absent, Casey 33.82 per cent with 23.07 days absent and Yarra Ranges 52.38 per cent with 28.70 days absent."
In 2023, Ms Bath established an upper house Inquiry into Victoria's state education system, with a report due to be tabled this October.
Conducting hearings in regional Victoria and Melbourne, the inquiry has been gathering evidence about declining student wellbeing and school refusal.
Ms Bath said understanding why students are disengaging with the school environment is paramount.
"Regional schools are facing a chronic teacher shortage; principals are under pressure and too many students are feeling heightened anxiety in the school setting.
"As a former secondary school teacher, I know that less time in the classroom 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.
"Labor can't manage our education system and Victoria students are paying the price," she said.