Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

The Ruddock review proposed to strengthen protections for students from discrimination by proposing restrictions to the laws introduced by the previous Labor government which gave religious schools greater ability to expel students where the school considered that was necessary according to the doctrines of their religion. Recent misreporting about this proposal and the current law has created unnecessary confusion and anxiety for parents and students alike. The Prime Minister is taking action to make it clear that no student of a non-state school should be expelled on the basis of their sexuality. The government is currently working on the proposed amendments, and we will consult with the opposition and others to work on a bipartisan basis to provide certainty in this area.