Is the school leaving age changing?
Who does the new legislation apply to?
When does it start?
Who does this apply to?
What options does a young person have to comply with this legislation?
What if they have a job?
What if they have a part-time job?
Are there any exceptions?
How does a young person or their parent apply for this dispensation?
What if a young person or their parent disagrees with a decision that is made about their participation?
What if a young person is suspended?
What if parents don’t have control over their child or the child doesn’t live with them?
Who can help?

Is the school leaving age changing?

No, the school leaving age stays at 16 but from 2008 onwards, new legislation means that after leaving Year 10 young people need to continue in education or training for two years or until they turn 17.

Who does the new legislation apply to?

This law applies to all young people who turn 16 or complete Year 10. Parents must ensure that their child is participating.

When does it start?

At the beginning of 2008.

Who does this apply to?

It applies to every young person in Tasmania whether they attend a government school, Catholic School, independent school or are home schooled.

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What options does a young person have to comply with this legislation?

There are a number of options. A young person could be:

• enrolled in a college or a district high school;
• doing a training course at TAFE Tasmania;
• undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship;
• enrolled in a training course with a private training organisation: or
• in some combination of the above.

What if they have a job?

Full-time employment (for 25 hours or more per week) is recognised as a legitimate alternative and they will be automatically exempted. If their employment ceased before they turned 17, they would be required to show what they intend for the rest of the time until they do turn 17.

What if they have a part-time job?

Part-time employment is not recognised as an automatic exemption but it could be included as part of a mix of employment and education or training to make up a full-time load.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes, there are a range of circumstances and situations where young people are not able to participate. Where accident or injury, disability, ill-health or incapacity applies, there is provision to be excused from participation. This is called a dispensation.

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How does a young person or their parent apply for this dispensation?

A young person or their parent may apply to the Secretary of the Department of Education using the approved form. The application forms will be available in 2007 from schools.

What if a young person or their parent disagrees with a decision that is made about their participation?

If this happens then a review must be lodged within 28 days.

What if a young person is suspended?

A young person will still be considered to be participating and would be expected to resume their participation as soon as is reasonable.

What if parents don’t have control over their child or the child doesn’t live with them?

There are provisions in the legislation that recognise responsibility in situations where joint parenting arrangements apply or where parents are not reasonably able to control the behaviour of young people.

Who can help?

The Principal of your school should be the first contact for help with any questions you may have.

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