A number of groups have thrown their support behind the Safe Schools program in light of this mornings news that Prime Minister Turnbull has requested a review of the LGBTI student support program.

Safe Schools Coalition National Program Director Sally Richardson writes that the group welcomes all opportunities to demonstrate the positive impact of the program.

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“All students, staff and families deserve to feel safe, included and valued at school,” Ms Richardson said in a statement.

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten echoed his earlier support for the program, saying it is disgraceful that Australian children may fall victim to Mr Turnbull’s failure to stand up to the right wing of his party.

“Life is already difficult enough for young people,” Mr Shorten said.

“They shouldn’t have to put up with the added stress of bullying and intimidating in the schoolyard.

Out Labor Senator Penny Wong asserted that all Australians want their children to be safe, and that’s what Safe Schools is about.

“Let’s hope that the more sensible people in the Liberal Party will continue to focusing that objective.”

Australian Greens Leader Richard Di Natale also threw his hat in the ring, posting his support for the program on Facebook.

Executive Director of the Australian Secondary Principal’s Association Rob Nairn says he is proud to lend his support to Safe Schools.

“Research suggests that homophobic and transphobic bullying and discrimination is likely to be going on in our schools and we must be proactive at addressing this behaviour that is impacting the health and wellbeing of our students and their educational outcomes,” Mr Nairn said.

“In our time-pressured school settings, the kind of tailored, external support offered by the Safe Schools Coalition – free to all schools and funded by the Australian Government – is invaluable. Stories from principals about the different the support has made for their schools and students are truly compelling.”

Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham, who has been asked by the PM to conduct the review, says homophobia “should be no more tolerated than racism, especially in the school environment.”

Mr Birmingham says the review will ensure all material is “age appropriate” and that parents can have confidence in any resources used in a school to support the rights of all student, staff and families to feel safe at school.

OIP Staff

Sources

• ABC
• Safe Schools Coalition
• Australian Secondary Principals Association