Page 5094 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 28 November 2017
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The response read as follows:
Dear Mr Duncan
Thank you for your letter of 24 August 2017 with information about petition No 21-17 received by the Assembly on 24 August 2017 in relation to the Safe Schools Coalition program.
In accordance With Standing Order 100, I provide you with the following response to the issues raised by the petition:
All ACT schools, both government and non-government run, are diverse environments that reflect the differences in our community. Students present to schools with a range of personal characteristics including diversity in gender identity and presentation, sexual orientation and intersex status. Our diversity is beautiful and children should be encouraged to be themselves without experiencing prejudice. All schools have a duty to provide a safe, respectful and inclusive environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence.
The petition raises concerns about Safe Schools Coalition Australia (SSCA) materials and associated resources leading to more identity confusion and anxiety in developing children. Concerns about the Safe Schools Program have already been investigated by the Australian Government, including materials associated with the program. The Louden review in 2016 assessed whether program resources were age appropriate, educationally sound and aligned to the Australian Curriculum. The review recommended changes to curriculum materials, removal of links to third party materials on the program website and included the requirement for parental consent to participate in the program. Many of the resources referred to in anti-safe schools campaigns refer back to materials linked to the program prior to this review.
The petition cites concerns regarding research associated with the program. The findings of initial research produced by La Trobe University is consistent with robust data about the impact of bullying which is outlined in the literature review (2010-2014) undertaken by Australia’s Safe and Supportive School Communities Working Group1. This working group operates under COAG and reports to Education Council. Many same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse people report school as a significant site where they experience prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence. This research demonstrates that bullying, discrimination and isolation of young people has serious and negative affects on students’ sense of belonging, safety and engagement at school, with subsequent impacts on education participation, achievement, health and wellbeing.
It is considered that the concerns in this petition are based on inaccurate information and misconceptions on what has been delivered in ACT schools to date. The facts are:
- To date, SSCA ACT has offered professional learning to school staff as requested by individual schools. Topics include information about the SSCA Program, sexuality and gender diversity and inclusive practices and curriculum resources.
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