Thursday, 19 October 2023

Ministers statements: Safe Schools

Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for Medical Research) (14:15): I rise to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is committed to providing safe and inclusive learning environments for all Victorian school students. Yesterday I spoke about the schools we are building. Today I want to touch on what is going on behind those walls right across Victoria. All students have a right to an education. They also have a right to meet their full potential, regardless of their postcode, background, beliefs or sexuality. We know that students cannot learn effectively if they are being bullied or harassed or do not feel safe at school. That is why the Allan Labor government is providing ongoing funding for the Safe Schools program. Safe Schools is an important part of broader efforts to create more inclusive, supportive and safer education spaces for our young people.

Roma Britnell interjected.

Ben CARROLL: We’ll get that in Hansard.

The SPEAKER: The member for South-West Coast is warned.

Ben CARROLL: The Safe Schools program helps Victorian schools foster a safe environment that is supportive and inclusive of all LGBTIQ+ students. Everyone benefits from the Safe Schools program. Research by La Trobe University shows that the program helps all kids to grow up safe, confident, compassionate, accepted and accepting. By tackling homophobia and transphobia through education, schools can make their spaces more inclusive and supportive. The Safe Schools program is an important initiative of the Allan Labor government, just as our mental health program is as well.

I am pleased to advise the house that from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, when it comes to schools we have implemented all recommendations. Let us also not forget the 2000 Victorian schools that have signed up to the Respectful Relationships initiative. It is only this side of the house and the Allan Labor government that is creating safe and inclusive school environments for all school students no matter their postcode, their gender or where they come from. We will continue to stand with all students no matter their background or sexuality, no matter who they are, to make sure they feel safe, secure and welcomed at whatever school they go to in Victoria.