Page 1534 - Week 05 - Thursday, 13 May 2021
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Schools—concept of consent
(Question No 176)
Ms Lawder asked the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, upon notice, on 1 April 2021:
(1) Why is consent not specifically outlined as a concept in the Respectful Relationships Education Program for ACT government schools, as seen in the Resources for Teachers ACT Education Directorate webpage.
(2) What steps will the Government take to ensure that the concept of consent is safely introduced into the Respectful Relationships Education Program for government schools.
(3) If consent as a specific concept is already being taught in ACT government schools, what resources are available to teachers and how can parents and carers access these resources.
Ms Berry: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
1. Consent education is taught as part of the Australian Curriculum primarily through the Health and PE content area. The Australian Curriculum is taught in all ACT public schools. The Australian Curriculum supports students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will help them to establish and manage respectful relationships. This includes elements such as teaching about consent and refusal strategies, the development of protective behaviours and the understanding of physical and emotional development. The content and elaborations provide teachers with information that is age, year level and developmentally appropriate.
Respectful Relationships Education (Gender Equality Education) is a school-based approach to the primary prevention of domestic and family violence. It aims to develop skills and attitudes early to prevent gender-based violence from happening in the future. It includes content that relates to consent, taught in an age-appropriate way. Information about Respectful Relationships Education, as well as a range of resources for families and schools are provided on the Education Directorate website
2. The concept of consent is included and taught in Respectful Relationships Education (Gender Equality Education) which is available in all ACT public schools.
3. Teachers are provided with resources and supports to provide Gender Equality Education to our students to address topics such as respect in relationships and consent. Schools work with parents and carers to engage them and ensure learning programs are sensitive to families’ cultural and religious beliefs and preferences. Parents and carers can access resources supplied on the Directorate website at https://www.education.act.gov.au/schooling/resources-for-teachers/respectful-relationships-education#rf.
Roads—traffic data
(Question No 177)
Ms Lawder asked the Minister for Transport and City Services, upon notice, on 1 April 2021:
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