NSW Government to axe controversial Safe Schools program
New South Wales is set to axe the controversial Safe Schools program and replace it with a broader anti-bullying program.
The initiative, launched by the Abbott Government in 2012, was designed to educate students on sexual diversity, however its concept has since attracted considerably scrutiny in most states.
On Sunday, NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes confirmed that the government was working on a replacement to the strategy which would be available to teachers by term three.
"The Australian government, who fund and oversee the Safe Schools program, have advised that they will no longer be providing funding for the program by mid-year," Mr Stokes said.
"Bullying will never be accepted in NSW public schools, whether it be because someone is overweight, gay, based on the colour of their skin or for any other reason."
The imminent decision comes after 17,000 people signed a petition in 2016, urging the NSW Government to axe the tax-payer funded program, News Corp has reported.
Those opposed to the program claimed it was brainwashing children as young as four-years-old.
It now appears their cries have been heard.
“The new program is about stopping all kinds of bullying,” a source told the Daily Telegraph.
“It could be bullying because someone is overweight, or wears glasses, or is transitioning sex, but the overwhelming message is that it is not OK [to bully].
“The program will include lesson plans and material that can be tailored by teachers as required.”
Criticism for the program came from politicians, parents and teachers alike, who suggested some of the provided material was inappropriate for such young children.
That material included The Gender Fairy story where primary schoolchildren were taught that only they could establish whether they were a boy or a girl.
Despite backlash of their own, the Victorian government will stick with the original concept and ensure their focus remains on providing safe places for LGBTI students that are free of homophobia and transphobia.
In South Australia last year, student protestors trashed the office of conservative Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi over his agenda to derail Safe Schools program.
“Shame” and “f*** Bernardi” were scrawled across the walls of his Kent Town office.”
