Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I don't have details with me of the education aspects of that matter. I am aware that the minister for education in his remarks last week made reference to these issues and to the bravery of the young women in particular who had come forward as a result of the discussion of these very difficult issues in Australia, including sexual assault and rape, to disclose their own experiences.

As I understand it, we have education materials in relation to the teaching of primary and secondary students about ethical behaviour, consent and respectful relationships through what is known as the Respect Matters program. That material will be freely available for use in all Australian schools in the coming weeks. The program for foundation to year 6 is focused on relationships and friendships, and managing these through changes and challenges. That is about providing building blocks for later content. The program for years 7 to 9 focuses on moving from preteen to adolescence and looks at relationships and power, and bullying and bystander action. Further, the program for years 10 to 12 focuses on personal and intimate relationships and that includes understanding consent, decision-making and consent laws and rights.

The government understands that this is a much broader issue than just schools and significant funding has been allocated since 2013 by governments—federal, state and territory, but $1 billion from the Commonwealth—to prevent and respond to violence against women and their children— (Time expired)