QLD pushes for ‘respectful relationships’ taught in all state schools

More than half a million state school students will take part in a program to teach respectful relationships.

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer, said respectful relationships education was already being taught in all Queensland state schools, and would be strengthened through implementation of the Australian curriculum and ensuring the quality of programs being delivered around the state.

“This is one of the things we’re doing as part of the Queensland Government’s first-ever framework to address sexual violence which was launched recently (Tuesday 15 October),” Ms Farmer said.

“We went all around the state to consult with Queenslanders, and I attended many of those consultation sessions in person.

“The strongest message we heard throughout the entire consultation is that we can’t wait until people are teenagers or adults to begin to teach what healthy and respectful relationships are like, and the importance of treating everyone with respect.

“We have start when they’re kids, which is why this program is so important.

“In addition to the Department of Education’s long-standing Respectful Relationships Education Program, a list of alternative recommended programs will be developed to support the implementation of respectful relationships education in all state schools.”

Minister for Education Grace Grace welcomed the move to ensure quality teaching resources for schools:

“Many schools already implement the department’s Respectful Relationship program, developed in response to the Not Now, Not Ever recommendations,” Ms Grace said

“This is about ensuring our students have access to the best quality programs and also about giving our teachers up to date professional development in this area.

“We know that teaching positive behaviours and skills from an early age can help to combat issues such as family violence and gender inequality.

“We will continue to strengthen professional development opportunities for education staff and support all state schools to implement this important element of the Australian curriculum.”

“We continue to encourage Queensland’s Catholic and independent schools to similarly promote respectful relationships education and to spread these positive messages and lessons to all Queensland students.”

Prevent. Support. Believe. Queensland’s Framework to address Sexual Violence is available at https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au/violence-prevention/sexual-violence-prevention/sexual-violence-prevention-framework