:Safe Schools Coalition Australia

The members of the Safe Schools Coalition Australia are The Foundation for Young Australians based in Victoria, Family Planning NSW, the Western Australian AIDS Council, the Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, Shine SA - Sexual Health Information Networking & Education in South Australia, True Relationships & Reproductive Health, Queensland and Working it out in Tasmania.

Schools are encouraged to join the coalition as members. The coalition began with 11 founding schools, including Methodist Ladies' College, Bellarine Secondary College, MacRobertson Girls' High School, Hallam Secondary and Princes Hill Secondary College.{{Cite news |url=http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/3755992/safe-schools-program-is-making-a-difference/ |title=Safe Schools program is making a difference |author=Farrah Tomazin |access-date=11 September 2016 |date=27 February 2016 |newspaper=The Border Mail |publisher=Fairfax Media }} St Joseph's College in Melbourne is a Catholic school taking part in the program.{{Cite news |url=http://www.educatoronline.com.au/news/principal-warns-against-academic-impact-of-bullying-212561.aspx |title=Principal warns against academic impact of bullying |author=Brett Henebery |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=4 March 2016 |work=The Educator |publisher=Key Media }}

In November 2016 the Salvation Army said it supports the program.{{cite web|url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/News-and-Media/news-and-media1/Salvation-Army-Supports-Safe-Schools-Initiative/ |title=Salvation Army Supports Safe Schools Initiative |author=Webb, Geoff|work=Salvation Army|access-date=19 November 2016}} Later in November that endorsement was withdrawn{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/salvation-army-in-retreat-on-safe-schools-program/news-story/12b1825e3d842abe5e960a58d304aa9e |title=Salvation Army in retreat on Safe Schools program |author=Urban, Rebecca|date=5 December 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=5 December 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/salvation-army-responds-backflip-safe-schools-support/154320 |title=Salvation Army backflips on Safe Schools support|author=Power, Shannon|date=5 December 2016|work=Star Observer|access-date=5 December 2016}} with the Salvation Army saying that it, "cannot unconditionally support the Safe Schools programs in Australia in their current form".{{cite news|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/News-and-Media/news-and-media1/2016/The-Safe-Schools-Initiative/ |title=Salvation Army Announces National Position On Safe Schools |date=30 November 2016|work=Salvation Army|access-date=1 December 2016}} In December 2016 Bega Valley Shire Council voted to support the program.{{cite news|url=http://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/4358187/safe-schools-program-gets-bega-valley-council-support/ |title=Safe Schools Program gets Bega Valley council support |author=Dion, Denise|date=15 December 2016|work=Bega District News|access-date=18 January 2017}} However, in January 2017 the council rescinded that support.{{cite news|url=http://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/4411824/safe-schools-back-flip-by-bega-council/ |title=Safe School support rescinded in heated Bega council meeting|author=McKnight, Albert|date=18 January 2017|work=Bega District News|access-date=18 January 2017}}

In describing the aims of the program, the Safe Schools Coalition Australia reports that "75% of same sex attracted young people experience some form of homophobic abuse or bullying... A staggering 80% of young people experienced abuse and bullying while at school",{{Cite web|title=All of Us|date=2016|url=https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/media/9299/all-of-us-online-version-may-2016-v3.pdf|access-date=2021-04-30|publisher=Safe Schools Coalition Australia|website=Student Wellbeing Hub|page=8|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403185933/https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/media/9299/all-of-us-online-version-may-2016-v3.pdf|archive-date=3 April 2021}} more than anywhere else. The All Of Us resource{{Cite web|title=All of Us|date=2016|url=https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/media/9299/all-of-us-online-version-may-2016-v3.pdf|access-date=2021-04-30|publisher=Safe Schools Coalition Australia|website=Student Wellbeing Hub|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403185933/https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/media/9299/all-of-us-online-version-may-2016-v3.pdf|archive-date=3 April 2021}} cites research on same sex attracted and gender diverse youth documented in the report, Writing Themselves in 3, prepared by the La Trobe University's, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society.{{Cite book| isbn = 978-1-921377-92-1| last1 = Hillier| first1 = Lynne| last2 = Jones| first2 = Tiffany| last3 = Monagle| first3 = Marisa| last4 = Overton| first4 = Naomi| last5 = Gahan| first5 = Luke| last6 = Blackman| first6 = Jennifer| last7 = Mitchell| first7 = Anne| title = Writing Themselves in 3: The third national study on the sexual health and wellbeing of same sex attracted and gender questioning young people| location = Melbourne| date = 2010| publisher = Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University |url = http://glhv.org.au/files/wti3_web_sml.pdf}} Research on intersex Australians published in 2016 shows that, while 2% of Australians fail to complete secondary school, 18% of Australians born with intersex variations fail to do so due to issues around bullying, discrimination and pubertal medical interventions.{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1080/14681811.2016.1149808| issn = 1468-1811| pages = 602–618| last = Jones| first = Tiffany| title = The needs of students with intersex variations| journal = Sex Education| volume = 16| issue = 6| date = March 11, 2016| s2cid = 74173324}}{{Cite web| last = Carpenter| first = Morgan| author-link1 = Morgan Carpenter | title = We support the Safe Schools Coalition Australia| access-date = 15 February 2016| date = 11 February 2016 | url = https://oii.org.au/30360/support-ssca/ | publisher = Organisation Intersex International Australia}}

Research on student performance comparing those within to those without the program indicated gender diverse and same-sex-attracted young people did better with Safe Schools.

The first community-based LGBTIQ youth groups in the fields of social services were established in the United States in the late 1970s. In the 1980s and 1990s a sexual risk discourse dominated LGBTIQ issues in education policy in Victoria.{{cite book |title=Policy and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Students Volume 6 of Policy Implications of Research in Education |last=Jones |first=Tiffany |year=2013 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-3319119915 |page=84 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=00EBBQAAQBAJ |access-date=12 September 2016}} Addressing school bullying with practical steps is a worldwide trend. The Safe Schools Coalition Australia provides resources such as this program as part of The National Safe Schools Framework which deals with the wider causes of bullying.{{cite web |url=https://www.education.gov.au/national-safe-schools-framework-0 |title=The National Safe Schools Framework |publisher=Department of Education and Training |access-date=13 September 2016 }}

This voluntary program, developed by the Safe Schools Coalition, commenced in Victoria on 21 October 2010,{{Cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/coming-out-gay-friendly-schools-form-rainbow-alliance-20101020-16u7r.html |title=Coming out: gay friendly schools form Rainbow Alliance |author=Farrah Tomazin |access-date=19 September 2016 |date=21 October 2010 |newspaper=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media }} and received national funding of $8 million in 2013.{{Cite web| last = Bita| first = Natasha| title = Sexual politics in the classroom| access-date = 13 February 2016| date = 12 February 2016| url = http://at.theaustralian.com.au/link/bf58ff141ba0b08bf165e3d53cc8a055?domain=theaustralian.com.au| publisher = The Australian}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Federal funding for the program was sought by openly gay Senator Penny Wong, the (ALP) Finance Minister in 2013. It was formally launched in June 2014 by the (Liberal) Abbott government.{{Citation| url = https://www.education.gov.au/news/safe-schools-coalition-australia-launched | title = Safe Schools Coalition Australia launched | publisher = Department of Education and Training (Australia) | date = 13 June 2014 |access-date = 15 February 2016 }} The program is focused on "challenging the bullying and discrimination of the LGBTIQ community within the school setting".{{Cite news| last = Cook| first = Henrietta| title = Safe Schools program ordered to stay silent on gay marriage| work = The Age| access-date = 15 February 2016| date = 28 July 2015| url = http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/safe-schools-program-ordered-to-stay-silent-on-gay-marriage-20150728-gimdrr.html}}

The program expanded nationally because of its success.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/feb/24/safe-schools-lgbti-program-researchers-receiving-abusive-emails-after-christian-lobby-campaign |title=Safe Schools LGBTI program researchers 'receiving abusive emails' after Christian lobby campaign |author=Melissa Davey |access-date=11 September 2016 |date=12 February 2016 |work=theguardian }} Content was created by a number of experts in the field. Melbourne High School teacher Christopher Bush helped produce and write content.{{Cite news |url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/feature/i-don-t-want-another-kid-killing-themselves-because-they-think-they-are-different-or-wrong-20529.html |title='I don't want another kid killing themselves because they think they are different or wrong' |author=Jacqui Tomlins |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=1 March 2016 |work=Gay News Network }} The program runs in every state of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, and is planned to commence in the Northern Territory. As of mid February 2016, 490 schools were members of the program, and 86 organisations were supporters of the coalition. According to the official website as of September 2016, 545 schools are members, up from the February 2016 figure when a campaign against the program commenced.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}} In NSW there were originally 120 schools registered, however the education department determined that 89 of those schools had never accessed resources and had no intention to do so in the immediate future.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/mp-demands-schools-offer-getout-option-on-gender-bully-scheme/news-story/15d65f8a5becb6b004aacc00230215c6 |title=MP demands schools offer get-out option on gender bully scheme |author=Balogh, Stephanie|date=15 September 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=15 September 2016}}

The Safe Schools Program contains a range of materials from which principals and teachers may choose to include, allowing educators to decide what is appropriate for their schools.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/feb/25/only-one-school-has-quit-safe-schools-lgbti-program-after-parents-objections |title=Only one school has quit Safe Schools LGBTI program after parents' objections |author=Shalailah Medhora |access-date=11 September 2016 |date=25 February 2016 |work=theguardian }} Some schools present no classroom material to students.{{Cite news |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/31197488/safe-schools-program-in-wa-grows/#page1 |title=Safe schools program in WA grows |author=Phoebe Wearne |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=28 March 2016 |work=The West Australian }} There are four official guides, three official posters and eight lesson plans. Videos are available to accompany the lessons. In 2015, a teaching manual called All Of Us{{cite web|url=http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/AllOfUs_UnitGuide.pdf|title=‌All Of Us|date=2015|publisher=Department of Education and Training (Victoria)|access-date=20 August 2016|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921081845/http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/AllOfUs_UnitGuide.pdf|url-status=dead}} was launched, following approval by the federal Education Department. Authors of the manual include Margot Fink, a finalist for Young Australian of the Year in 2016. The guide includes information on teaching gender diversity, sexual diversity and intersex topics. Resource content includes a video of same sex attracted and gender diverse youth, as well as intersex film-maker Phoebe Hart. A children's story book, entitled The Gender Fairy,{{cite web|url=http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/is-the-gender-fairy-in-your-school-library-5|title=Is 'The Gender Fairy' in your school library?|date=27 January 2016|work=Safe Schools Coalition|access-date=16 September 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329114810/http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/is-the-gender-fairy-in-your-school-library-5|archive-date=29 March 2016}} released in January 2016 and promoted by the Safe Schools Coalition, explains transgender issues for young children. Safe Schools Coalition co-founder, Roz Ward{{cite news|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/feature/queers-of-melbourne-this-month-we-meet-roz-ward-from-safe-schools-22346.html |title=Queers of Melbourne This month we meet Roz Ward from Safe Schools|date=3 November 2016|work=Gay News Network|access-date=19 November 2016}} has compiled the accompanying notes for teachers and parents.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/the-gender-fairy-a-new-chapter-in-transgender-education-for-kids-20151130-glbst8.html |title='The Gender Fairy': a new chapter in transgender education for kids |author=Perkins, Miki|date=2 December 2015|work=The Age|access-date=21 September 2016}} Safe Schools material provides advice for secondary students faced with explicit-content-filters on computers{{cite web|url=http://www.safeschoolshub.edu.au/common/downloads/Stand-Out_2014.pdf |title=Stand out against homophobia and transphobia in schools |work=Safe Schools Coalition|first1=Roz |last1=Ward |first2=Scott |last2=Micah|page = 12 & 18 |access-date=22 September 2016}} and with resistance to displaying LGBTIQ posters.

The material challenges notions of heteronormativity and promotes acceptance of LGBTIQ people. The goal is to achieve an understanding and tolerance of LGBTIQ individuals through education. Students are given the opportunity to challenge LGBT stereotypes. Another aim is to reduce the incidence of depression, suicide and self-harm.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}} Representatives from Safe Schools are available to meet with parents, students and teachers upon request.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}

Some school principals reported a decrease in same-sex attracted and gender diverse students being bullied.{{Cite news |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/schools-embrace-controversial-gender-program-that-the-lgbt-community-says-saves-lives/news-story/4f64da8a6bc0a90d1727910842e4dcc2?nk=8a29ffc6a7c0a4fccb3181c8924221c2-1473577472 |title=Schools embrace controversial gender program that the LGBT community says 'saves lives' |author=Lisa Schefman |access-date=11 September 2016 |date=8 February 2016 |newspaper=Herald Sun }} Testimony from students has explained how the program improves the learning environment. There are reports that the introduction of the program has reduced the prevalence of homophobic and transphobic language at schools.{{cite web |url=https://aeunt.org.au/news/make-all-our-schools-safe-schools/ |title=Let's make all our schools Safe Schools |date=26 May 2016 |publisher=Australian Education Union Northern Territory |access-date=12 September 2016 }} In some instances the mere knowledge that a school is part of the coalition has increased the level of safety felt by LGBTIQ students.

Some parents of students who took part in the program have expressed dislike for changes to school policy in regards to bathroom use. Others have expressed concern that they did not know that this "ideology" was being "imposed" on their children. The Safe Schools Coalition actively encourages people to report any inappropriate content.{{cite web |url=http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/contact-us/report |title=Report Inappropriate Content |work=The Foundation for Young Australians |access-date=12 September 2016 }}

The program has been supported by the majority of state governments, as well as psychologists, gay-support groups and other non-governmental and religious organisations.{{Cite news |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/queensland-government-stands-by-safe-schools-coalition-australia/139201 |title=Queensland Government stands by Safe Schools Coalition Australia |author=David Alexander |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=30 July 2016 |newspaper=Star Observer }} The program is supported by Beyond Blue, headspace and the Australian Secondary Principals Association.{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-26/safe-schools-chest-binding-photo-removed-from-christian-website/7202772 |title=Safe Schools: Chest binding photo removed from Christian website after complaints by young transgender man shown |author=Simon Leo Brown |access-date=19 September 2016 |date=26 February 2016 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation }}

Advocates for the program point to high levels of homophobic abuse, including in school settings, and high levels of school leaving.{{Cite news| last = Shaw| first = Rebecca| title = There is no such thing as a 'gay manual', but I wish I'd had this when I was a child| work = The Guardian| access-date = 11 February 2016| date = 11 February 2016| url = https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/feb/11/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-gay-manual-but-i-wish-id-had-this-when-i-was-a-child}} Australian LGBTIQ rights activist and academic Rodney Croome welcomed a review as a way of ensuring its funding delivered the outcomes it sought.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2016/03/26/what-happened-the-safe-schools-program/14589108003049 |title=What happened to the Safe Schools program |author=Karen Middleton |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=26 March 2016 |work=The Saturday Paper }} NSW Labor politician Penny Sharpe has said that opposition is primarily due to homophobia and transphobia. A petition presented by Australian Greens Senator Robert Simms to Parliament in March 2016 contained 70,000 signatures in support of the organisation.{{Cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/03/03/70-000-signatures-collected-in-support-of-safe-schools-coalition/ |title=70,000 Signatures Collected In Support Of Safe Schools Coalition |author=Josh Butler |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=4 March 2016 |work=The Huffington Post Australia }}

However, the program is opposed by some religious groups, particularly the Christian right, with the program said to be "gagged" on same-sex marriage while the Safe Schools Coalition said there had been "no change to media protocols". The Australian Christian Lobby and the Former National Party senator Bill O'Chee have criticised the program.{{Cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/school-life/christian-lobby-groups-claim-radical-sexual-experimentation-is-being-promoted-in-schools/news-story/39c64a960b2d112875848c4f337de433 |title=Christian lobby groups claim 'radical sexual experimentation' is being promoted in schools |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=25 July 2015 |work=news.com.au |publisher=News Limited }} Former Labor senator Joe Bullock has also criticised Safe Schools.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/feb/25/safe-schools-is-like-child-grooming-says-nationals-mp-george-christensen |title=Safe Schools is like child grooming, says Nationals MP George Christensen |author=Australian Associated Press |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=25 February 2016 |work=The Guardian }} Former Democrats Senator Brian Greig stated that the criticism from religious conservatives echoed the 1997 conservative response to "Here for Life", the anti-suicide program introduced by the Keating government's Carmen Lawrence for gay and lesbian teenagers.{{cite news|last1=Grieg|first1=Brian|title=History repeats: 20 years of political homophobia from the religious right|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/mar/30/history-repeats-20-years-of-political-homophobia-from-the-religious-right|access-date=21 December 2016|work=The Guardian|date=30 March 2016}} After conservatives described it as “promoting homosexuality” and “recruiting children”, the newly elected Howard government cancelled the Here for Life program.

Various aspects of the program have been criticised by The Australian newspaper.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/angela-shanahan/parents-are-the-best-judge-of-their-kids-sex-education-needs/news-story/a4735e9b23790a3769ac99d97d656253 |title=Parents are the best judge of their kids' sex education needs |author=Shanahan, Angela|date=27 February 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=26 March 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/safe-schools-activist-roz-ward-raises-red-flag/news-story/42208731b0e4705aa0d2e6aaa8584e3e |title=Safe Schools activist Roz Ward raises 'red flag' |author=Urban, Rebecca|date=1 March 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=22 March 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/safe-schools-tell-concerned-parents-tough-luck/news-story/cc2e9d420e9cddf5ddf1d94849d0d9f4 |title=Safe Schools: tell concerned parents 'tough luck!' |author=Urban, Rebecca|date=22 March 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=22 March 2016}}{{cite news|url= http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/kids-of-7-learn-gender-diversity-from-safe-schools-coalition/news-story/b06172309839e02b2a0dffe36a14556f |title=Kids of 7 learn 'gender diversity' from Safe Schools Coalition |author=Urban, Rebecca|date=14 May 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=15 May 2016}} In July 2015, the Australian Christian Lobby lodged a 10,891-signature petition with the Queensland parliament in relation to the Safe Schools program.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/australian-christian-lobby-slams-safe-schools-antibullying-program-20151103-gkq6gr.html |title=Australian Christian Lobby slams Safe Schools anti-bullying program | author=Partridge, Emma|date=4 November 2015|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=26 March 2016}} The petition incorporated wording from a Safe Schools student resource. However the Clerk of the Parliament would not permit that wording on the Queensland parliament's website because of the "intemperate" language. The petition was subsequently tabled with that offending wording removed.{{cite web|url=https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/apps/Epetitions/ClosedEpetition.aspx?PetNum=2429 |title= Cease Safe Schools roll out in Queensland schools |date= 13 October 2015|access-date=22 September 2016}}

On 14 February 2016 the education minister, Simon Birmingham, described the lessons prepared by the coalition as having "reasonable objectives". Birmingham stated that controversy over the program was "very unhelpful because the debate that seems to be occurring in the public space is one of whether or not we should be teaching inclusiveness and tolerance in our schools".{{Cite web| last = Owens| first = Jared| title = Sex diversity class 'reasonable'| access-date = 14 February 2016| date = 14 February 2016| url = http://at.theaustralian.com.au/link/17a555b13b0eddc57bdb2a385606dec6?domain=theaustralian.com.au| publisher = The Australian}} Some of the negative commentary surrounding the program has been attributed to the belief that young people who are exposed to LGBTIQ issues might then change their sexuality.{{Cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/catholic-principal-pressured-to-withdraw-from-safe-schools-coaltion-20160301-gn7h6h.html |title=Catholic principal pressured to withdraw from Safe Schools Coalition |author=Henrietta Cook |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=1 March 2016 |newspaper=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media }} The current (as of November 2017) federal government's policy is not to fund the program beyond 2017.{{Cite news |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/federal-government-to-make-changes-to-safe-schools-program-following-review/147634 |title=Safe Schools won't be funded beyond 2017 |author=Shannon Power |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=28 March 2016 |newspaper=Star Observer }} Resources will still be available for schools to use beyond that date. Labor's policy is to expand the Safe Schools Coalition.

{{external media

| float =

| width = 25%

| image1 = [https://web.archive.org/web/20160607204205/http://www.safeschoolshub.edu.au/common/downloads/Change-is-Coming-poster_2014.pdf Change is coming poster]

| image2 = [https://web.archive.org/web/20160615142037/http://www.safeschoolshub.edu.au/common/downloads/All-Of-Us-Classroom-Poster.pdf Classroom poster]

| image3 =

| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCjKyKO6zT0 Cory Bernardi Speech to the Senate]

| video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH0V-AnnnRw George Christensen Speech to the House of Representatives]

| video3 =

}}

In February 2016, under privilege of Parliament, George Christensen claimed the program exposed students to inappropriate sexual material.{{Cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/02/25/christensen-grooming_n_9322362.html |title=Government MP George Christensen Likens LGBT 'Safe Schools' Program To 'Paedophile Grooming' |author=Josh Butler |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=26 February 2016 |work=The Huffington Post Australia }} Christensen also likened the program to a "pedophile grooming a victim",{{Cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-23/turnbull-requests-investigation-into-safe-schools-program/7192374 | title = PM wants probe into LGBTI program over 'indoctrination' fears | website = ABC News | language = en-AU | access-date = 29 February 2016 | date = 2016-02-23 }}{{Cite web | url = http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/gay-senator-asks-liberal-colleagues-to-have-empathy-for-young-people-in-safe-schools-debate-20160226-gn4kmw.html | title = Gay senator asks Liberal colleagues to have empathy for young people in Safe Schools debate | website = The Sydney Morning Herald | access-date = 29 February 2016 | date = 2016-02-26 }} said the program was attempting to introduce into schools "queer gender theory" and "marxist ideology" that should be limited to universities.{{cite news|url= http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/abbott-told-of-safe-schools-concerns-mps/news-story/380d5a6884c4e6e5ac61eb93d9d5db6c | title=Abbott told of Safe Schools concerns: MPs |date=17 March 2016|work=News Ltd }} The Safe Schools Coalition dismissed those claims in their entirety.{{Cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/pm-should-reprimand-homophobic-mp/news-story/1438636056250f22af30c6e73067bdf4 |title=Choose words carefully on Safe Schools: PM |author=Rashida Yosufzai |access-date=19 September 2016 |date=26 February 2016 |work=news.com.au |publisher=News Limited |archive-date=11 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111142955/http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/pm-should-reprimand-homophobic-mp/news-story/1438636056250f22af30c6e73067bdf4 |url-status=dead }}

A review was announced by the Turnbull Liberal/National Coalition government on 26 February 2016, after Coalition backbenchers George Christensen and Cory Bernardi raised concerns over what they claimed was the "sexualised" nature of the program, and forty-three Coalition backbenchers including former leader Tony Abbott had signed a petition calling for the program's closure.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/safe-schools-malcolm-turnbull-forced-to-act-on-funding-for-controversial-sexed-program/news-story/51dfbc4b15e86483632f6f6909bdac15|title=Safe Schools - Malcolm Turnbull forced to act on funding for controversial sex-ed program: Daily Telegraph 18 March 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://indaily.com.au/news/2016/03/18/limits-imposed-on-safe-schools-program/|title=Limits imposed on Safe Schools program|first=David|last=Washington|date=18 March 2016}} The review did not consider the contents of the Minus 18 website, or the contents of the network partners’ websites. The review was conducted by University of Western Australia’s Professor Bill Louden. The process included interviews with a range of individuals and groups associated with the program.

On 11 March 2016 the Review of Appropriateness and Efficacy of the Safe Schools Coalition Australia Program Resources was published.{{Cite web|url=https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/review_of_appropriateness_and_efficacy_of_the_ssca_program_resources_0.pdf|title=Review of Appropriateness and Efficacy of the Safe Schools Coalition Australia Program Resources|last=Louden|first=William|date=11 March 2016|website=Australian Government Department of Education and Training|publisher=Department of Education and Training Australia|access-date=6 June 2016}}

The review revealed that opponents to the program had made statements that grossly misrepresented and exaggerated the nature of the program. Coalition MPs who support Safe School such as Warren Entsch said the concerns were being pushed by external lobby groups. Labor leader Bill Shorten labelled the Christensen group "ideologues ... trying to impose a 1950s view of the world".{{Cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/safe-schools-program-downsized-after-campaign-by-right-wing-mps-and-christian-lobby-groups/9k7kl34lp|title=Safe Schools program downsized after campaign by right-wing MPs and Christian lobby groups|website=SBS News}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/most-mps-back-safe-schools-cut-christensen/67d769dd-5787-4352-8280-0321882a6dc6|title=Backbenchers 'want school program inquiry' - 9News|date=17 March 2016|website=www.9news.com.au}}

{{Quote box

|title =

| border=2px

|quote = "The review does not consider the contents of the Minus 18 website, or the contents of the network partners’ websites, ...
...
All of the official resources are consistent with the intent and objectives of the program, in that they focus on one or both of the SSCA’s two overall aims, reducing homophobic and transphobic behaviour and intersex prejudice, and increasing support for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students."

|author = William Louden

|source = Review of Appropriateness and Efficacy of the Safe Schools Coalition Australia Program Resources

|width = 25%

| bgcolor = Cornsilk

}}

The review did not find that any of the official resources were inappropriate. It found that the content in guideline documents was consistent with the aims of the program and that the language and content was suitable. All lesson plans were found to be consistent with the aims of the program as were all the posters. No harm was expected to come from primary schools students viewing the material, just that they may not comprehend some terms such as transphobia or homophobia. The level of interaction between schools and parents was found to be appropriate.

The Safe School Coalition has links to affiliate, third-party organisations{{cite web |url=http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/app/theme/default/design/assets/all-of-us/documents/student-handouts.pdf |title=All of us - student handouts |work=Safe Schools Coalition |page=8 |access-date=29 March 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301215611/http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/app/theme/default/design/assets/all-of-us/documents/student-handouts.pdf |archive-date=1 March 2016 }} and have jointly produced resources.{{cite web|url=http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/all-of-us|title=All of us|work=Safe Schools Coalition|access-date=29 March 2016|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427235030/http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/all-of-us|url-status=dead}} Several of these resources, including Stand Out,{{cite web|url=http://www.safeschoolshub.edu.au/common/downloads/Stand-Out_2014.pdf |title=Stand out |last1 = Minus18 |last2 = Safe Schools Coalition|date=September 2014|access-date=20 August 2016}} created in 2011 by the Safe Schools Coalition Victoria and Minus18{{cite web|url=https://minus18.org.au/ |title=Minus18 |access-date=29 March 2016}} were part of the Louden Review. The review found that, "The three resources created by young people, OMG I’m Queer,{{cite web|url=http://ourcolours.org.au/wp-content/uploads/OMG%20I'm%20Queer_July%202015.pdf |title=OMG I'm Queer|last1 = Minus18 |last2 = Safe Schools Coalition|date =July 2015 |access-date=20 August 2016}} OMG My Friend’s Queer{{cite web|url=http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/OMGMyFriendIsQueer.pdf |title=OMG My Friend's Queer|last1 = Minus18 |last2 = Safe Schools Coalition |access-date=20 August 2016}} and Stand Out, are not intended as classroom resources. They are not normally circulated to primary schools and in some states only circulated to secondary schools on request. They normally are available either in the school library or through the student support centre. They are suitable for use by individual secondary students but may not be suitable for use in some faith-based schools."

In May 2016, Queenslander of the Year and transgender woman Cate McGregor, who "had been asked to be an Ambassador for the program and had initially agreed",{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rendezview/i-am-transgender-and-i-oppose-safe-schools/news-story/7e194d1cc3037b6966b9fdab59871bf9|title=I am transgender. And I oppose Safe Schools|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|author=Catherine McGregor|date=18 May 2016|access-date=10 September 2016}} subsequently said that she does not agree that the Safe Schools program is the best way to support transgender children. McGregor said she objects to the program as she believes it is underpinned by a political ideology with which she does not agree, saying that the program "teaches a derivative of queer theory, which I believe leads trans people into a blind alley".{{cite news|url=http://www.outinperth.com/catherine-mcgregor-speaks-safe-schools/ |title=Catherine McGregor speaks out against Safe Schools |date=19 May 2016|work=Out In Perth|access-date=7 September 2016}} McGregor was subsequently stood down as the patron of Kaleidoscope Australia for her opposition to the Safe Schools program. McGregor expressed her disappointment.{{cite news|url=http://www.samesame.com.au/news/14199/Catherine-McGregor-dropped-from-LGBT-group-over-anti-Safe-School-comments |title=Catherine McGregor dropped from LGBT group over anti-Safe School comments|date=7 September 2016|work=Same Same|access-date=6 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/catherine-mcgregors-angry-response-kaleidoscope-australia-sacking/152607|title=Catherine McGregors angry response to Kaleidoscope Australia sacking|author=Power, Shannon|date=6 September 2016|work=Star Observer|access-date=7 September 2016|archive-date=7 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907144118/http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/catherine-mcgregors-angry-response-kaleidoscope-australia-sacking/152607|url-status=dead}}

However, in May 2018, McGregor declared she had been wrong about the program. "It's an excellent program, and it saves lives." "I should have been a supporter from the start. I regret that I wasn't." "Young trans people need an ally, and I could have been one." "I'm high profile. They looked up to me. I could have helped, and I didn't, and I regret that."{{cite news |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/kate-mcgregor-declares-herself-wrong-to-oppose-safe-schools/news-story/89acd91f3a5fff9bbd0ae44045403757 |title=Cate McGregor declares herself wrong to oppose Safe Schools |first=Caroline |last=Ovington |date=3 May 2018 |work=The Australian |access-date=3 May 2018}} In her column in Fairfax Media she said "to my chagrin, I failed to anticipate the ammunition I offered to those like Miranda Devine and Lyle Shelton who refuse outright to accept the reality and legitimacy of trans identity." "Trans kids are still doing it tough. Mainly because of cruel religious fanatics and their enablers."{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/education/encounter-made-me-realise-i-was-wrong-to-oppose-safe-schools-20180503-p4zd1s.html |title=Encounter made me realise I was wrong to oppose Safe Schools |first=Catherine |last=McGregor |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=3 May 2018 |access-date=3 May 2018}}

In June 2016, La Trobe University suspended Roz Ward, the British academic and activist who "runs the Safe Schools Coalition" through the university's Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, for saying she wanted to get rid of the "racist" Australian flag and replace it with a red flag, "and my work is done". Ward was also suspended from the Safe Schools program.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/roz-ward-suspended-from-controversial-safe-schools-program/news-story/0efe742b54db6abab5d8d91d2dc7c17b |title=Roz Ward suspended from controversial Safe Schools program |author=Cavanagh, Rebekah|date=2 June 2016|work=Herald Sun|access-date=21 September 2016}} The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Ward's actions "underlined concerns many people had about how the program was managed".{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/safe-schools-manager-quits-over-gaffe/news-story/0239e50da2ad01234611986a78714d33 |title=Flag slur underlines concerns: Turnbull |date=28 May 2016|work=Herald Sun|access-date=21 September 2016}} Ward's solicitors wrote to the university's Vice-Chancellor, John Dewar, urging him to withdraw all allegations and reinstate her by 10am Monday, otherwise legal action would ensue. While Dewar defended the University's actions, he reinstated Ward, with the Teachers Union saying Ward would be then able to resume supporting young people who are bullied.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/safe-schools-roz-ward-to-sue-la-trobe-university-unless-they-drop-misconduct-investigation/news-story/72c9bc255672d1eff66b274c5bf4623a |title=Safe Schools' Roz Ward to sue La Trobe University unless they drop misconduct investigation |author=Cavanagh, Rebekah|date=3 June 2016|work=Herald Sun|access-date=21 September 2016}} Beyondblue provided almost $600,000 to La Trobe University to administer the Safe Schools program. However, its chairman, Jeff Kennett, threatened to withdraw future funding and called for Ward to resign because of her "extreme political views".{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/jeff-kennett-safe-schools-funding-lost-if-roz-ward-stays/news-story/0aef42a2d0c918d5dc7450683b581f33 |title=Jeff Kennett: Safe Schools funding lost if Roz Ward stays |author=Brown, Greg|date=31 May 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=7 September 2016}}

In July 2016, members of Sydney's Chinese community lodged a petition containing more than 17,000 signatures, against the Safe Schools program.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-23/safe-schools-mp-lodges-petition-against-program-signed-by-17000/7777030 |title=Safe Schools: Australian Chinese community petition against anti-bullying program lodged in NSW |author=Kozaki, Danuta|date=24 August 2016|work=ABC News|access-date=31 August 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/23/safe-school-program-thousands-nsw-sign-petition-against |title=Safe Schools program: thousands in NSW sign petition calling for it to be scrapped |date=23 August 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=31 August 2016}} The chairman of the Confederation of Indian Australian Associations has said, "It should not be given that platform in the school lessons, the majority of Indians feel … school is not an appropriate place to bring this subject up."{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/indians-join-chinese-concerned-about-safe-schools-rollout/news-story/c6b7263ba070ede2ea78416c957b5207 |title=Indians join Chinese concerned about Safe Schools rollout |author=Akerman, Pia|date=25 August 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=31 August 2016}}

Dr Kevin Donnelly, who advocates for conservative viewpoints in discussions of education and established an institute which promotes the inclusion of Christian beliefs in schools{{cite news|last1=Cadzow|first1=Jane|title=Back to basics|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/back-to-basics-20140706-3bh7i.html|access-date=1 January 2018|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=12 July 2014}}{{cite news|title=National curriculum review: Who is Kevin Donnelly?|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/national-curriculum-review-who-is-kevin-donnelly|access-date=1 January 2018|work=SBS News|date=10 January 2014}} and was previously co-chair of the National Curriculum Review and Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Catholic University, has argued that the program may over-ride parents' rights as primary caregivers and impose an agenda on their children which they might not accept.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/kevin-donnelly-how-ideology-took-over-schools/news-story/9f06e062476a2e04c7999b48d630b043 |title=Kevin Donnelly: How ideology took over schools |author=Donnelly, Kevin|date=21 July 2016|work=Herald Sun|access-date=21 September 2016}} Donnelly has also said there is a lack of transparency with the program in New South Wales.{{cite news|url=http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=18731 |title=Education minister stubbornly oversees safe schools information blackout|author=Donnelly, Greg|date=16 December 2016|work=Online Opinion|access-date=17 December 2016}}

The Australian Human Rights Commission expressed concern over attempts to impose parental consent requirements, stating that there needed to be careful consideration of its impact on children struggling with sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status, and stating "while we recognise the rights of parents to be informed and engaged in their child’s education, it is important to ensure children who have not yet ‘come out’ to their family can still access the program and its resources.”{{cite web | url=http://www.humanrights.gov.au/news/media-releases/commission-responds-independent-review-safe-schools-program | title=Commission responds to independent review of the Safe Schools program | publisher=Australian Human Rights Commission | date=18 March 2016 | access-date=21 September 2016}}

Former Prime Minister John Howard has said, "What's disappointed me is an issue like Safe Schools. When that emerged it should have been hit on the head by centre-right governments at federal and state level".{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/paul-kelly/the-crisis-for-conservatism/news-story/30a044c9b92c79a9428e7a65d89f24c1 |title=The crisis for conservatism |author=Kelly, Paul|date=25 February 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=25 February 2017}}

In April 2017, Victorian education officials conceded there was a lack of hard evidence on the rates of homophobic bullying in schools to justify the decision to mandate the Safe School program.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/safe-schools-victorias-det-cant-prove-homophobic-bullying/news-story/11b9fe2832a44e3cd39041a6d94566a0|title=Safe Schools: Victoria's DET can't prove homophobic bullying}}

On 9 May 2017 the Australian Christian Lobby hosted a seminar in Melbourne entitled Is Safe Schools safe?, with the speakers, Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Western Sydney, John Whitehall{{cite web|url= https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/staff_profiles/uws_profiles/professor_john_whitehall |title=Professor John Whitehall |work=University of Western Sydney|date=12 May 2017 |access-date=13 May 2017}} and Dr Elisabeth Taylor from ACL. About 30 people, several of whom had their faces covered with bandanas, blocked the entrance to the seminar stopping the majority of the attendees from entering.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/protesters-promise-to-shut-down-australian-christian-lobby-event-against-safe-schools-program/news-story/90e793eef753a02759d257ae9e28a779 |title=Protesters promise to shut down Australian Christian Lobby event against Safe Schools program |author=Hore, Monique |work=Herald Sun|date=9 May 2017 |access-date=13 May 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/safe-schools-protest-targets-arrow-on-swanston-hotel/news-story/136e776a1f33c7275fc7613dcc3eb82c |title=Safe Schools protest targets Arrow on Swanston hotel |author=Akerman, Tessa|work=The Australian|date=9 May 2017 |access-date=13 May 2017}} Safe Schools activists from the Community Action Against Homophobia group protested outside a similar event in Sydney.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/prosafe-schools-activists-protest-christian-lobby-event-in-sydney/news-story/805b22d86052d52f81e9ba19eda42b81 |title=Pro-Safe Schools activists protest Christian Lobby event in Sydney |author=Ritchie, Emily|date=28 July 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=4 August 2017}}

In Canberra there were "acts of intimidation" made against those opposed to the Safe Schools Program. Anti safe schools signs were "torn up, burnt and defaced with threats to kill".{{cite news|url= http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/christian-democratic-partys-anti-safe-school-campaign-signs-defaced-20170614-gwqrdp.html |title=Christian Democratic Party's anti Safe School campaign signs defaced |author=Connery, Georgina|date=14 June 2017|work=The Canberra Times|access-date=5 July 2017}}

In August 2017, a rally to protest against the Safe Schools program in Canberra was "effectively drowned out by vocal supporters" of the program.{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-antisafe-schools-rally-drowned-out-by-prolgbti-protesters-20170812-gxuwzo.html |title=Canberra Anti-Safe Schools rally drowned out by pro-LGBTI protesters |author=Williams, Elliot|date=13 August 2017|work=Canberra Times|access-date=13 August 2017}}

Issues relating to the Safe Schools program were raised during the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey debate.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/29/coalition-for-marriage-ad-blitz-links-marriage-equality-to-gender-education |title=Coalition for Marriage ad blitz links marriage equality to gender education |author=Karp, Paul|date=29 August 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=1 September 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2017/08/31/gay-marriage-advocates-hit-back-at--no--ads.html |title=Same-sex marriage 'a rainbow Trojan horse' |date=31 August 2017|work=Sky News|access-date=1 September 2017}} The head of the Australian Christian Lobby wrote in August 2017 that the survey would be a referendum on safe schools, and the Australian Conservatives political party claimed that "Safe Schools and others like it will be mandatory in schools" if same-sex marriage was legalised.{{cite web|last1=Shelton|first1=Lyle|title=What The Marriage Plebiscite Is Really About|url=http://www.acl.org.au/what_the_marriage_plebiscite_is_really_about#splash-signup|publisher=Australian Christian Lobby|access-date=1 January 2018}}{{cite web|last1=Louden|first1=Bill|title=FactCheck: will Safe Schools be 'mandatory' if same-sex marriage is legalised?|url=https://theconversation.com/factcheck-will-safe-schools-be-mandatory-if-same-sex-marriage-is-legalised-84437|website=The Conversation|access-date=1 January 2018}} There is however a new program called Respectful Relationships{{Cite web|url=http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/respectfulrelationships.aspx|title=Respectful Relationships|website=www.education.vic.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2018-04-15}} which is different to Safe Schools, and was developed in response to recommendations made by the Australian Royal Commission on Family Violence. The Respectful Relationships program covers topics such as emotional literacy, anger management, coping skills, problem solving skills, anti-bullying, how to seek help from others, and gender equality.

In September 2017, the book The Gender Fairy, promoted by the Safe Schools Coalition,{{Cite web| last = Bita| first = Natasha| title = Sexual politics in the classroom| access-date = 17 September 2017| date = 12 February 2016| url = http://at.theaustralian.com.au/link/bf58ff141ba0b08bf165e3d53cc8a055?domain=theaustralian.com.au| publisher = The Australian}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} featured in a television ad released in conjunction with the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey for the "No" campaign. The ad incorporates the words, "Only you know whether you are a boy or a girl".{{cite news|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/09/15/no-campaign-targets-gender-fairy-new-ad |title='No' campaign targets 'The Gender Fairy' in new ad |date=16 September 2017|work=SBS|access-date=16 September 2017}}

Education Minister Simon Birmingham outlined the federal government's action in response to the Louden Review in a media statement.{{cite web |url=http://ministers.education.gov.au/birmingham/statement-safe-schools-coalition |title=Statement On Safe Schools Coalition |date=18 March 2016 |work=Media Release |publisher=Department of Education and Training |access-date=12 September 2016 }} The Turnbull Liberal/National Coalition government was quick to adopt changes to the program following the review. Some of the actions taken by the Turnbull government were not recommended in the review.{{Cite news |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/state-governments-at-odds-over-safe-schools/147813 |title=State Governments at odds over Safe Schools |author=Alistair Kitchen |access-date=12 September 2016 |date=23 March 2016 |newspaper=Star Observer }} The imposed limits included changes to some materials, limiting access to secondary schools as some material was not easily understood by younger students, and requiring parent opt-ins.{{cite web | url = http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/03/18/limits-imposed-safe-schools-program | title = Safe Schools program downsized after campaign by right-wing MPs and Christian lobby groups | publisher = SBS News | date = 18 March 2016 | access-date = 18 March 2016 }} Federal President of the Australian Education Union Correna Haythorpe criticised the decision requiring parent body consent before a school could instigate the program saying that decision should be made by educators.{{cite web |url=http://www.aeufederal.org.au/news-media/news/safe-schools-compromised |title=Safe Schools Compromised |date=21 March 2016 |publisher=Australian Education Union |access-date=13 September 2016 }}

The Federal Government ceased its funding of the Safe Schools program in October 2016.

The program operates extensively in Victoria and is fully funded by the state government.{{cite web|url=http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/Pages/safe-schools-coalition.aspx?Redirect=1|title=Safe Schools|work=Victorian Government|date=1 November 2017|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304113523/http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/Pages/safe-schools-coalition.aspx?Redirect=1|url-status=dead}} State governments are also fully responsible for directly funded programs in South Australia{{cite web|url=https://www.decd.sa.gov.au/supporting-students/health-e-safety-and-wellbeing/safe-schools|title=Safe Schools Anti-bullying Initiative|date=1 November 2017|work=South Australian Government}} and the Australian Capital Territory.{{cite web|url=http://www.shfpact.org.au/about-us/news-updates/284-sscact-2016|title=Safe Schools Coalition ACT|date=5 October 2016|work=Sexual Health and Family Planning (ACT Government)}} Several schools in Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory remain signed up to national Safe Schools registry.{{cite web|url=http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/safe-schools/|title=Join Us - Is Your School A Member?|work=Safe Schools Coalition Australia|date=1 July 2017|access-date=13 July 2017|archive-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013042936/http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/safe-schools|url-status=dead}}

Following the launch of a Safe Schools-based teaching resource, NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli ordered his department to immediately withdraw the material, stating "Safe Schools materials are only to be used strictly in accordance with the revised guidelines established by the federal government,"{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/schools-told-to-teach-kids-that-sex-varies-like-the-weather/news-story/ccbd63c1a2a97ad073808425efbe8387 |title=Schools told to teach kids that sex varies like the weather |author=Urban, Rebecca|date=7 September 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=7 September 2016}} with the Minister tasking Mark Scott, the Secretary of the NSW Education Department, to undertake a review of the program.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/new-education-boss-told-to-review-controversial-sexed-course/news-story/9355918a93cd331318e94a75da08c423 |title=New education boss told to review controversial sex-ed course |author=Urban, Rebecca|date=12 December 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=12 September 2016}} In its report, released in November, the committee "recommends the NSW Education Department requires schools under the Controversial Issues in Schools policy to consult with parents prior to any implementation of the Safe Schools program, and require that parents choose whether to opt in to this program".{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/safe-schools-should-have-opt-in-choice-recommends-committee/news-story/1931ba95d07afd897290c1a2a11a7032 |title=Safe Schools should have opt in choice recommends committee |author=Balogh, Stefanie|date=18 November 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=19 November 2016}}

In September 2016, NSW students were told not to participate in any class lessons involving Safe Schools Coalition materials without the consent of their parents.

In February 2017, it was announced that NSW public school teachers were provided with, "a list of resources that should not be used."{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/gender-theory-banned-in-nsw-classrooms/news-story/eeb40f3264394798ebe67260fa2f5782 |title=Gender theory banned in NSW classrooms |author=Urban, Rebecca |date=6 February 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=25 February 2017}}

In April 2017, it was announced that NSW government will replace the Safe Schools Program with a broader anti-bullying program.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/safe-schools-program-to-be-dumped-by-nsw-government/news-story/74908c1a4cd7a8c355f44043f06740a9 |title=Safe Schools program to be dumped by NSW Government |author=Devine, Miranda|date=16 April 2017|work=Daily Telegraph|access-date=16 April 2017}}

In December 2017, NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley said that the Safe Schools program will "never return" under a Labor government.{{cite news|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/blogs/miranda-devine/miranda-live-safe-schools-gone-for-good-says-luke-foley/news-story/cb715bf0080519a3fe552129205267e6 |title=Miranda Live: Safe Schools 'gone for good' says Luke Foley |author=Devine, Miranda |date=20 December 2017|work=Daily Telegraph|access-date=21 December 2017}}

In March 2016, following the Louden Review, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews took issue that students will now require parental permission to attend the Safe Schools program. He "vowed to defend its place in every Victorian secondary school", while the NSW Premier Mike Baird disagreed, saying "parental engagement is a good thing."{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/safe-schools-nsw-premier-mike-baird-defends-federal-governments-review-20160322-gno9si.html |title=Safe Schools: NSW Premier Mike Baird defends federal government's review |author=Bagshaw, Eric|date=22 March 2016|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=26 March 2016}}

On 15 May 2016, it was reported that the Victorian Government will spend about $1 million of its own funds to run the Safe Schools Program and will include those elements dropped by the Federal Government. They have subsequently added new links to optional resources from The Gayby Project{{Cite web|url=http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/Pages/safe-schools-coalition.aspx|title=Safe Schools Coalition Victoria|date=2 June 2016|website=Victorian Department of Education and Training|publisher=Victorian Department of Education and Training|access-date=6 June 2016}} produced by the makers of the Australian documentary film Gayby Baby for students in grade five to year 10.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/preelection-hostilities-reignite-over-safe-schools-program-20160513-gov2rs.html |title=Safe Schools: Pre-election hostilities reignite over |author=Tomazin, Farrah|date=15 May 2016|work=The Age|access-date=15 May 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/gayby-baby-schools-to-get-a-lesson-in-family-diversity-20160507-goouoe.html |title=Gayby Baby: schools to get a lesson in family diversity |author=Tomazin, Farrah|date=8 May 2016|work=The Age|access-date=15 May 2016}} All state secondary schools in Victoria are to be members of the SSCA by 2018.{{Cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/04/12/vic-premier-daniel-andrews-commits-to-expanding-safe-schools-coa/ |title=VIC Premier Daniel Andrews Commits To Expanding Safe Schools Coalition In His State |access-date=20 September 2016 |date=12 April 2016 |work=he Huffington Post Australia }}

In December 2016 Safe Schools Coalition Australia has severed its ties with the Safe Schools Coalition Victoria.{{cite web|url=https://sscv.org.au/ |title=Safe Schools Coalition Victoria |access-date=3 December 2016}}{{cite news|url= http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/push-in-schools-to-fight-modern-homophobia/news-story/d2ecf868fd342b721dee22e543c34001 |title=Push in schools to fight 'modern' homophobia |author=Urban, Rebecca|date=2 December 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=3 December 2016}}

In December 2016, the Victorian Government said it will take responsibility for and "overhaul" the Safe Schools program, with the government cutting its ties with both Ward{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/safe-schools-program-to-be-overhauled-and-founder-roz-ward-removed-20161216-gtctgs.html |title=Safe Schools program to be overhauled and founder Roz Ward removed |author=Tomazin, Farrah|date=16 December 2016|work=The Age|access-date=17 December 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.outinperth.com/victorian-government-announces-overhaul-safe-schools-program/ |title=Victorian government announces overhaul of Safe Schools program |date=16 December 2016|work=OutInPerth|access-date=17 December 2016}} and La Trobe University.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/daniel-andrews-cuts-la-trobe-uni-from-safe-schools-program/news-story/b38723a260e7bf25e9b0fc7c76914df4 |title=Daniel Andrews cuts La Trobe uni from Safe Schools program |author=Ferguson, John|date=17 December 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=17 December 2016}} In January 2017, it was reported that a new Victorian manager is to be appointed.{{cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/safe-schools-victoria-head-could-pocket-almost-300k-over-two-years/news-story/9b572624c79242ab66fd198ecd8b3b42 |title=Safe Schools Victoria head could pocket almost $300k over two years |author=White, Alex|date=17 January 2017|work=The Courier-Mail|access-date=18 January 2017}}

The Victorian government has pledged to fully fund the program in Victoria, and has established Safe Schools Victoria.{{cite web|url= http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/Pages/safe-schools-coalition.aspx |title= Safe Schools (Victoria)|work=Education Department Victoria|access-date=26 December 2017}} The Victorian opposition education spokesman Tim Smith has said, if elected, he would replace the program with a broader anti-bullying program,{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/24/victorian-opposition-vows-to-scrap-safe-schools-and-teach-western-principles |title=Victorian opposition vows to scrap Safe Schools and teach 'western' principles |date =25 January 2018}} as NSW has done.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/labor-split-on-safe-schools-future/news-story/5a5abea693d0719f3596f1a143c59d06 |title= Labor split on Safe Schools future|author=Hutchinson, Samantha|date=26 December 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=26 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/simon-birmingham-backs-victorian-libs-push-for-australian-values-in-schools/news-story/335ed5dea9d4963d0d10e0ede3f21bca |title=Simon Birmingham backs Victorian Libs' push for 'Australian values' in schools |date =25 January 2018 }}

In February 2018 a petition against Safe Schools was signed by 16,000 Victorians.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/antisafe-schools-petition-signed-by-16000-victorians/news-story/00fc892446430b7b2acb5b6c541be1cb |title=Anti-Safe Schools petition signed by 16,000 Victorians |date =10 February 2016 }}

The program began in Queensland from the start of the second semester in 2015. Annastacia Palaszczuk pledged support for Safe Schools during the 2015 Queensland state election but as of March 2016 had not made any announcements.

In September 2016, Queensland students were told not to participate in any class lessons involving Safe Schools Coalition materials without the consent of their parents.

In June 2017, the Queensland Government announced that it will not fund the program when the Federal Government ceases funding the Safe Schools Program in October 2017.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-23/queensland-safe-schools-funding-will-not-continue-post-october/8642966 |title=Safe Schools: Queensland Government will not fund teacher training after October |author=Wiggins, Nick|date=23 June 2017|work=ABC News|access-date=23 June 2017}} Queensland has withdrawn from the Safe Schools Coalition Program. The Liberal National Party has said, in September 2017, if they are elected to form government they will, "dump the Safe Schools program".{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/an-elected-lnp-government-would-dump-safe-schools-in-queensland-20170913-p4yvw8 |title=An elected LNP government would dump Safe Schools in Queensland |date=13 September 2017|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=13 September 2017}}

In September 2017 there was what was described as "aggressive altercations" to prevent people entering a Brisbane church where a Safe Schools seminar was being held.{{cite news|url=http://www.outinperth.com/confrontational-protests-safe-schools-brisbane-church/ |title=Confrontational protests over Safe Schools at Brisbane Church |date=8 September 2017|work=OutInPerth|access-date=8 September 2017}} A police statement and camera footage do not support the protesters version of what took place, saying, "there was no record of any cars hurtling towards protesters, nor any other assault or injury".{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/the-ugly-samesex-clash-at-brisbane-church-that-proved-quite-tame/news-story/0a5db9f89a7f0abddea0dd8d8cffabc6 |title= The 'ugly' same-sex clash that wasn't|author=Schliebs, Mark|date=9 September 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=9 September 2017}}

The South Australian Education Minister lamented the federal government's response to the successful program, which was launched in that state on 13 June 2014.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}} In September 2016, South Australian students were told not to participate in any class lessons involving Safe Schools Coalition materials without the consent of their parents. South Australia is to develop its own programs, abandoning the national Safe Schools scheme.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/ward-departs-la-trobe-following-programs-scrapping/news-story/fbf7624b707d861b8a1bb3e9b16e903b |title=Ward departs La Trobe following program's scrapping |author=Urban, Rebecca|work=The Australian|date=19 June 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017}} South Australia has withdrawn from the Safe Schools Coalition Program. The South Australian opposition said it will replace the Safe Schools program if elected.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/17/south-australian-coalition-vow-to-scrap-safe-schools-program-if-it-wins-state-election |title=South Australian Liberals vow to scrap version of Safe Schools if they win election |date = 17 January 2018 }}{{cite news|url= https://www.sbs.com.au/news/sa-libs-to-scrap-safe-schools-program |title=SA Libs to scrap safe schools program |date =16 January 2018 }}

In September 2016, Western Australian students were told not to participate in any class lessons involving Safe Schools Coalition materials without the consent of their parents.

In 2016 the Safe Schools Program was "rolled out" in 20 Tasmanian schools.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-05/tasmanian-liberals-vote-to-ditch-safe-schools-program/7998100 |title=Tasmanian Liberals vote to ditch 'disgusting, belligerent' Safe Schools program |date=5 November 2016|work=ABC}} In April 2017 it was reported that Tasmania will scrap its support for the Safe Schools program, replacing it with a comprehensive anti-bullying scheme.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/safe-schools-antibully-project-to-lose-tasmania-funding/news-story/edf86542522560f86061f7fa209fe67d |title=Safe Schools' anti-bully project to lose Tasmania funding |author=Urban, Rebecca|date=18 April 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=18 April 2017}}

In August 2016, the ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, committed $100,000 to the Safe Schools Program in the Territory.{{cite news|url= http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/act-stumps-up-100000-to-ensure-safe-schools-program-does-not-fail-20160826-gr21c0.html |title=ACT stumps up $100,000 to ensure Safe Schools program does not fail |author=Knaus, Christopher|date=26 August 2016|work=Canberra Times|access-date=26 August 2016}} The Australian newspaper reported that this would enable restrictions imposed on the national scheme to be circumvented.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/safe-schools-act-to-fund-program-at-canberra-schools/news-story/5134f49fd32961d2ce384f330940ddc3 |title=Safe Schools: ACT to fund program at Canberra schools |author=Owens, Jared|date=26 August 2016|work=The Australian|access-date=26 August 2016}}

The ACT government has pledged to fully fund the program in the ACT and is developing a program for "sexually and gender diverse students, staff and families".{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/contract-signed-for-canberraspecific-safe-schools-program-20170217-guffez.html |title= Contract signed for Canberra-specific 'Safe Schools' program |author=Baker, Emily|date=20 February 2017|work=Canberra Times|access-date=17 April 2017}} As of 2017 the ACT is no longer a member of the Safe Schools Coalition Program. The new program will have a change of name with the ACT Education Minister saying it, "won't be defined as a program because then that implies that you're delivering a class or a program on something".{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-liberals-question-act-safe-schools-plans-20170630-gx226y.html |title=Canberra Liberals question ACT Safe Schools plans |author=Baker, Emily|date=30 June 2017|work=The Canberra Times|access-date=5 July 2017}}

In August 2017 Liberal politician Elizabeth Kikkert speaking in the ACT Legislative Assembly said that "13-year-old girls [were asked] to fantasise about sexual intercourse". Opposition education spokesman Andrew Wall tabled a petition and asked the ACT government to withdraw support for the program. In response, Deputy Chief Minister, Yvette Berry said Mr Wall should be "ashamed of himself" for bringing the petition forward.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-24/canberra-liberal-says-students-being-groomed-by-safe-schools/8840158 |title=Canberra Liberal claims Safe Schools program asks students to fantasise about same gender |author= Sibthorpe, Claire|date=24 August 2017|work=ABC News|access-date=25 August 2017}}{{cite news|url= http://www.watoday.com.au/act-news/liberals-elizabeth-kikkert-says-children-being-groomed-by-safe-schools-program-20170824-gy2y2x.html |title=Liberals Elizabeth Kikkert says children being 'groomed' by Safe Schools program |author=Burgess, Kate|date=24 August 2017|work=WA Today|access-date=25 August 2017}}

In September 2017 it was reported that Education Minister Yvette Berry, "will soon launch" the ACT's answer to Safe Schools program.{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/act-education-minister-yvette-berry-cautions-schools-on-samesex-marriage-20170920-gyl17m.html |title=ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry cautions schools on same-sex marriage|author=Baker, Emily|work=The Canberra Times|date=21 September 2017|access-date=22 September 2017}}

One Northern Territory school has signed up for the program.

{{Portal|Australia|Education|LGBTQ}}

• Education in Australia
• Gayby Baby
• Kids Helpline
• {{slink|La Trobe University|Controversies}}
• LGBT rights in Australia
• National School Chaplaincy Programme
• Suicide among LGBTQ youth
• Wear it Purple Day

{{Clear}}

{{reflist|2}}

• {{official website| http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au}} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20170204191717/http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/ archived])
• [https://docs.education.gov.au/node/40001 Review of Appropriateness and Efficacy of the Safe Schools Coalition Australia Program Resources: education.gov.au]
• [http://thegaybyproject.com/schools/ Gayby Project]
• [http://safeschoolsstoryproject.org/ Safe Schools Story Project]
• [http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/Pages/safe-schools-coalition.aspx Safe Schools (Victoria)]

{{LGBT in Australia}}

Category:LGBTQ history in Australia

Category:LGBTQ organisations based in Australia

Category:LGBTQ and education

Category:2010 establishments in Australia

Category:Education in Australia

Category:School bullying

Category:Anti-homophobia

Category:Organizations established in 2010