Negative SEAM evaluations must trigger NT Intervention re-think

The Australian Greens are calling on the Government to reassess the latest version of the NT Intervention, Stronger Futures, with evaluations conducted by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations showing key aspects of the policy are ineffective.

In reply to Questions on Notice put by Australian Greens spokesperson for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues, Senator Rachel Siewert, DEEWR revealed that two completed reports into SEAM trials (School Enrolment and Attendance through Welfare Reform Measures) had been completed but had not previously been made publicly available.

“SEAM trials link a parent or guardian’s Centrelink payments to their children’s school attendance and have been criticised by a range of organisations,” Senator Siewert said today.

“The report shows that SEAM has not improved attendance, I must ask why is the Government continuing with this flawed approach?

“Recently during Senate Estimates it was also established that the program could not be linked with improved educational outcomes.

“It is no wonder the Government has been unwilling to open these reports to public scrutiny, given that they undermine the newly announced Stronger Futures legislation.

“The Government must now realise that the only appropriate course of action is one which completely reassesses their approach to the Northern Territory,” Senator Siewert concluded.