Adam Bandt (Melbourne, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to bring to the attention of the House the outstanding work of the feminist collective of Fitzroy High School, located in my electorate of Melbourne. The Fitzroy High Feminist Collective started in 2013 following a student discussion about violence towards a female character in a book. It resulted in an elective class where students could discuss the everyday sexism they faced and observed, and how this could be addressed within the school.

This Thursday, the FHS Feminist Collective launched their student informed teaching resource Fightback: Addressing Everyday Sexism in Australian Schools. The resource is aimed at educating secondary school students about gender inequality, the objectification of young women's bodies and the use of sexist language. The resource also addresses the link between gender inequality and violence against women.

I speak to congratulate the students involved in preparing this excellent resource. We are aware of the appalling extent of violence against women in Australia, and that it leads to a significant number of deaths each year. So much more must be done to tackle gender inequality. It is fantastic that Fitzroy High School have given their support to their students to create teaching materials which address negative attitudes towards girls and women. This is brilliant student-led work, and I congratulate them. Fitzroy High School Feminist Collective, you have the support of your community.