At the local level, the collection and reporting of attendance information can help ensure that all important actors -notably the school administration and the municipal social services - quickly become aware of attendance problems as they arise. The regular reporting of attendance information to the responsible education authorities at the national level can moreover ensure that teachers, schools and municipalities take non-attendance seriously. It is managed and supervised by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), which is an independent public body. This information is particularly important for youth belonging to disadvantaged groups. The resulting transparency of outcomes helps parents make educational choices and creates a sound basis for schools and communities to improve their performances.