Last updated 9 July 2024

In Queensland, it is compulsory that children of compulsory school age be enrolled at a school and attend every school day. Parents and guardians can be liable if their children do not attend school without a reasonable excuse. The maximum fine is currently $928.80 for the first offence or $1857.60 for second or subsequent offences.

Once a child completes Year 10 or reaches 16 years of age, they start the compulsory participation phase. Parents and guardians can still be fined if their children do not attend during this phase. The compulsory participation phase ends when the child:

  • gains a Queensland Certificate of Education, Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement, Senior Statement, Certificate III or Certificate IV
  • has participated in eligible options (e.g. schooling, TAFE or university study, an apprenticeship, traineeship or vocational course) for at least two years
  • turns 17 years of age.

For further information regarding schooling, see the Children and Education chapter of this handbook.