Fed: Truancy plan elistist and out of touch: indigenous leader

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2008
Fed: Truancy plan elistist and out of touch: indigenous leader

HOBART, Aug 26 AAP - A federal government plan to suspend welfare payments to parents
who fail to send their children to school is elitist and out of touch, Aboriginal leader
Michael Mansell says.

"This plan reeks of elitism, and testifies to a government beginning to lose touch
with how the battlers have to survive," Mr Mansell said today in a statement.

Mr Mansell said absenteeism is greatest among poor children and so long as their families
struggle they will never have visions about futures for themselves or their children.

"For people in these circumstances it is impossible to give education the highest priority
over surviving," Mr Mansell said.

"The role of government for the millions in these circumstances is to support, not threaten.

"(Prime Minister Kevin) Rudd's failure to provide a buffer for the poor against rising
heating, fuel and food costs is hidden by his blatant attack on those he has deserted.

"Mr Rudd's threat may achieve kudos in middle Australia but it will do nothing but
harm to destitute families.

"The Rudd plan reflects an out of touch knowledge of the poor.

"Mr Rudd should be to providing a social environment in which children of the poor
are motivated to learn."

AAP pc/jfm/bwl

KEYWORD: WELFARE MANSELL

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