Thursday, 23 February 2023

Ministers statements: LGBTIQ+ school programs

Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Education, Minister for Women) (14:15): I rise to update the house on the supports that we have in place for the LGBTI students, teachers and support staff across our school system. I am so proud to continue to provide under the Safe Schools program the following provisions: professional learning for school staff, improved inclusion for school policies and practices, consultation, advice, resources and connections to local support services for any individual students that display signs that they need that extra support. I have heard firsthand from schools just how vital the Safe Schools program is. I was actually at my old college, Buckley Park secondary college, with the member for Niddrie, doing a bit of a tour, and I have got to say the pride in that place when it comes to Safe Schools, the posters that those kids had up and the engagement and acceptance were just amazing.

Our rollout of $200 million to the mental health fund continues this year in 2023 to make sure that kids feel safe, and the organisation Minus18 has been included to deliver workshops to promote positive mental health and improve the lives of our young people. This government also continues to embed the promotion of respect, positive attitudes and reinforcement, resilience and confidence through Respectful Relationships. I am happy to say that almost 2000 schools have signed up to this program across the state system, Catholic system and independent system, and it is a wonderful initiative that I hear positive things about from both teachers and students. Unlike those opposite, we do not tolerate bigotry or hatred, and the safety and wellbeing of our children and young people is not a political game.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Eureka can leave the chamber for 1 hour.

Member for Eureka withdrew from chamber.

John Pesutto: On a point of order, Speaker, the minister knows better than to attack the opposition in her ministers statement.

The SPEAKER: I ask the minister to come back to her ministers statement.

Natalie HUTCHINS: Every child deserves to be respected. Every young person deserves to be respected and safe in our school system.