Victoria Minister for Education Martin Dixon

Clem Newton-Brown Prahran MLA

Coalition Government Announces Extra Funding To Fight Homophobia In Schools

Victor P Taffa

A program that helps schools challenge homophobia and support diversity will be expanded by the Victorian Coalition Government as part of its commitment to safe and caring schools.

Education Minister Martin Dixon said Safe Schools Coalition Victoria helped schools explore the impact of homophobia on young people, how homophobia can be challenged in schools and classrooms and what support same-sex attracted and gender questioning students need.

Safe Schools Coalition Victoria – a partnership between the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, La Trobe University, Rainbow Network Victoria and the Foundation for Young Australians – is almost 12 months old but has no ongoing provision for funding.

Under the Baillieu Government’s plan for safe and caring schools this important service will continue and expand with funding increasing to $100,000 from an initial $80,000 investment.

“The work that has been done by this group is important.” Mr. Dixon said.

“Currently there are 34 Government and non-government member schools working together in the Coalition to address the needs of same-sex attracted and gender questioning students and create a safer environment for all students.”

Mr. Dixon said all students had the right to be educated in safe school environments.

“Our support for Safe Schools Coalition Victoria is an important step in ensuring school communities has the resources and confidence to challenge homophobia and respect diversity,” Mr Dixon said.

“It is vital we work together to tackle and reduce homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism within school communities and ensure schools are safe and supportive places for all young people.”

The Coalition Government’s decision follows strong lobbying on behalf of the SSCV from Member for Prahran, Clem Newton-Brown.

Mr. Newton-Brown said a head-in-the-sand approach to homophobia had potentially tragic consequences.

“Depression, lack of confidence, disengagement from school and even suicide can be the tragic consequences for young people struggling with sexual identity.” Mr. Newton-Brown said.

“Going to a school where a student doesn’t feel welcome or accepted compounds the feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

Mr. Newton-Brown said 25 % of 15 to 24-year-old gay and lesbian students experience suicidal thoughts, and 80 % of bullying behaviour toward gay and lesbian students occurs in schools.

“We have a duty of care to all young people to make sure they are safe, accepted and happy as they go through their school lives, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

In last month’s Victorian Budget, the Coalition Government invested $130.4 Million to provide safe and caring schools, including:

• $124.4 Million over four years for an extra 150 primary welfare officers;

• $4 Million for the professional development of teachers from every Government school on combating bullying and cyber-bullying;  

• $2 Million for the professional development of teachers on managing classroom behaviour.

Clem Newton-Brown Prahran MLA