Jo Lindgren (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Bernardi, move:

That the Senate—

(a)   notes that:

(i)   bullying and harassment should never be tolerated in any forum,

(ii)   schools should provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, and

(iii)   schools participating in the Safe Schools Coalition Australia programme should carefully consider the suitability of resources, including web based resources, for all their students;

(b)   requests that all parents are provided information about the programme to allow them to make an informed decision regarding their child's participation, and that schools respect their decision, including the right to exclude their child from the programme; and

(c)   requests that all schools considering joining the programme respectfully consult parents in making any such decision.

Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is difficult to understand why this motion has been brought forward, as it pre-empts the government's own review, which was announced today. Labor introduced the Safe Schools program to address the real and serious issues of bullying, exclusion and suicide in LGBTI youth. Eighty per cent of LGBTI young Australians face abuse and bullying at school, only one in five feel supported at school and they are six times more likely to die from suicide. This is an incredibly important program. Schools participate on a voluntary basis and, just as for all programs, it goes without saying—but it should be said—that material should be age appropriate and parents should be engaged on what happens at school.

Robert Simms (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Robert Simms (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Like the Australian Labor Party, the Greens are at a loss to understand why this motion is being put forward, particularly when one considers that the Safe Schools program is instigated by schools themselves. It is led by staff and students and, of course, there is consultation within the school community through parent and teacher organisations within respective schools. So this is really an utterly superfluous motion. It seems to be part of the crusade led by Senator Bernardi here in this parliament to create this ridiculous argument that somehow by talking about sexual difference within schools, you encourage people to change their sexual orientation. Let me say that anybody who has the most basic understanding of human sexuality knows what an utterly ridiculous proposition that is. It is really disappointing to see our new Prime Minister, Mr Turnbull, kowtowing to Cory Bernardi in this way. He really is Tony Abbott 2.0 and it is an outrage that he is going down this path.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I remind senators to refer to other senators and to people in the other place by their correct names or titles.

Question negatived.