Northern Territory Consolidated Acts

EDUCATION ACT - SECT 22

    (1)     This section applies if a child:

        (a)     completes year 10 of secondary education under section 20 and is below the age of 17 years; and

        (b)     is not exempt from participating in an eligible option.

    (2)     A parent of the child who has the actual custody of the child must ensure the child participates in an eligible option.

Maximum penalty:     For a first offence – 15 penalty units.

    For a second or subsequent offence – 20 penalty units.

    (3)     An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.

    (4)     It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (2) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.

    (5)     Without limiting subsection (4), it is a reasonable excuse if the defendant establishes that he or she is unable to control the child's behaviour to the extent necessary to ensure the child participates in an eligible option.

    (6)     If the child is living independently, the child must participate in an eligible option.

Maximum penalty:     For a first offence – 1.5 penalty units.

    For a second or subsequent offence – 2 penalty units.

    (7)     An offence against subsection (6) is an offence of strict liability.

    (8)     It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (6) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.