2016-03-20
20/03/2016
The Greens call on the Queensland government to follow their counterparts in Victoria and guarantee long-term funding for the Safe Schools anti-bullying program if needed and protect the content of the program from being gutted.
Greens spokesperson Andrew Bartlett said "the Greens commend the state Labor government for their support for the Safe Schools anti-bullying program.
"Unfortunately the Turnbull government's cave-in to homphobic rantings from the rabid right wing of the Liberal National Party means that future funding is not secure, and core content of the program is at risk of being damaged.
"The Greens have confidence in the teachers and leaders in each school ensuring Safe Schools material is used in a way which is appropriate for their school community and the students within it.
"It is time for the politicians to get out of the way on this and leave it to those with expertise in education and the realities faced by young people subjected to bullying and abuse.
"It is an absolute disgrace that Liberal National Party politicians have repeatedly and publicly vilified gay, lesbian and transgender young people.
No one is suggesting that there should never be any refinements made to the content of the Safe Schools program. As with all education materials, it is subject to regular refinement, and teachers using their judgement about what is appropriate to use in their own classrooms.
But the core goal of having a robust, realistic education resource which discourages bullying and increases awareness regarding same-sex attracting and transgender issues is crucial and must be defended.
For further comment, contact Andrew Bartlett on 0418 743 789