In response to concerning dips in school attendance, the New South Wales government has initiated a new campaign called “Everyday Matters”.

According to the NSW Deputy Premier and Education Minister, Prue Car, attendance rates in schools are lagging far behind expectations, affecting learning outcomes.

The government has set an ambitious target of achieving a 95% attendance rate, yet last year’s rate barely reached 85%.

“If your child in year seven has really good attendance, in year nine, they have a chance of being three months ahead of other children that don’t have good attendance,” Prue Car told Deborah.

Hear more highlights from Afternoons with Deborah Knight below: