Page 846 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 March 2016

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MR DOSZPOT: So on that basis, I wish to move an amendment to Mr Hinder’s motion, and I circulate it now. The Canberra Liberals amend it as follows:

Omit all words after “notes”, substitute:

“(a) that bullying in all forms is abhorrent and damaging to children of all groups, and that governments, schools—

Ms Burch: Eight years and you still have not got it right, Doszy.

Mr Rattenbury: Seven and a half years of practice.

MADAM SPEAKER: Sit down, Mr Doszpot. I think it is ironic that we are debating a motion on bullying and I just heard two fairly acerbic comments across the chamber from members of the government about a member’s performance. Although there was nothing technically disorderly about it, you might like to contemplate what we are talking about here. The question is that the motion be agreed to. Mr Doszpot.

MR DOSZPOT: Madam Speaker, I will again attempt read what the amendment states:

Omit all words after “notes”, substitute:

“(a) that bullying in all forms is abhorrent and damaging to children of all groups, and that governments, schools and the community have a responsibility to take steps to eliminate bullying, harassment and exclusion of our young people, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning students;

(b) that state and national governments have collaborated to create guidelines to promote learning environments which are free from bullying, harassment, aggression and violence;

(c) that the Safe Schools program was initiated by a Federal Labor government and implemented by the Federal Liberal Government to attempt to address the issue of bullying of our children; and

(d) that the Federal Government is currently reviewing the Safe Schools program to ensure it is effective and appropriate to create positive and safe environments for all students, including same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students; and

(2) calls on the ACT Government to:

(a) reject bullying and discrimination in all its forms in our schools, including bullying of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning students;

(b) support the Federal Government review that aims to provide clarity and assurances to parents about the programs being offered in ACT schools; and


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