Page 868 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 March 2016
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I am not the only leader in this country making this point. I want to share what I believe are some absolutely pertinent comments from the Victorian Premier that nailed this in three paragraphs. Daniel Andrews said:
…let’s be honest here: I don’t think these extreme Liberals are actually offended by the structure of the program, or the teachers who lead it.
I just think they’re offended by the kids who need it.
They don’t like the fact that some young people might be different.
He went on to say:
I’m sick of Liberal politicians telling our kids that there’s something wrong with them—when there isn’t.
I’m sick of Liberal politicians trying to push us all back, whenever we all take a few steps forward.
Hear, hear! I fully endorse the comments of Premier Andrews. This is what this motion is about today, to state very clearly the values that this Assembly holds, our support for the safe schools program, and our message to LGBTI kids that they are fine, that we support them, and that there is nothing wrong with them. Do not let any Neanderthal conservative tell you otherwise.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo—Minister for Corrections, Minister for Education, Minister for Justice and Consumer Affairs and Minister for Road Safety) (3.31): I thank Mr Hinder for bringing this motion forward today. It is an important discussion, and I think the Chief Minister has just made the point very powerfully as to why this motion is necessary today—because of some of the public comments we have seen in recent times and how simply destructive they are.
Bullying in our schools is an important issue that we must respond to proactively. It is concerning for the children and young people who experience it, for their families, and for the families of all of those involved. Nationally, approximately one in four year 4 to year 9 students report being bullied every few weeks. Frequent bullying is highest amongst year 5 children in primary school and year 8 children in high school. Bullying takes the form primarily of hurtful teasing, followed by hurtful lies being told about people.
The ACT government has a comprehensive framework to both respond to bullying and teach and support children in developing social and emotional learning. ACT public schools are guided by the providing safe schools P-12 suite of policies, which require them to promote and seek to provide a supportive learning environment in which all students can expect to feel safe. That is the essence of it—about students feeling safe. Providing safe schools P-12 requires all ACT public schools to develop procedures in consultation with students, parents and carers. This policy aims to promote a safe and supportive learning environment.
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