WA resists welfare cuts to truants' families

The Western Australian Government has reaffirmed its opposition to the Commonwealth's controversial no school, no welfare policy, amid efforts to revive the scheme.

The Commonwealth is said to be considering reviving its controversial policy after the failure of a voluntary scheme in the town of Halls Creek.

The federal Member for Kalgoorlie, Barry Haase, has pledged to push for the reintroduction of the original program by pushing for a change in legislation to make it legal.

The program cuts payments to parents whose children are chronic truants.

But the State Government says the scheme, which operated in Halls Creek, only serves to increase poverty.

Labor's Member for Central Kimberley-Pilbara, Tom Stephens, says the Commonwealth should stop "grand standing" on the issue.

"They could actually just cooperate with the state and local government and with that local community and do some work for a change," he said.

"It would be a dramatic change if they just stayed focussed in on the community of Halls Creek - what's on display in Halls Creek is nothing of substance from the Commonwealth.

"What's needed from the Commonwealth Government is an end to their talk and their talk festivals, and some focus and some actions, some collaboration and cooperation with that community."

State Indigenous Affairs Minister Sheila McHale says the focus should be on schools, not parents.

"It is the quality of teaching and the school environment that is most important," she said.

"I think that we need to make sure that we are providing quality teaching and an environment that is appropriate for children."