Senate debates Motions

New South Wales: Schools


Cory Bernardi

Cory Bernardi SA, Australian Conservatives

12:19 pm

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

  (i) reports that the New South Wales Government has determined that it will abandon the 'Crossroads' program in school Years 11 and 12, due to its radical theories about gender and sexuality, and

  (ii) the program will be replaced by teaching those students life skills, such as driving a car, managing their finances and improving their mental health; and

(b) commends the New South Wales Government for taking these steps.

James McGrath

James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan

Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath

James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister

The government has consulted the New South Wales government on this issue and welcomes the decision by the Minister for Education, Minister Rob Stokes, to accept Emeritus Professor Bill Louden's recommendations regarding the sex education elements of Crossroads. We also note that other components of the Crossroads program such as drugs education, safe driving and life skills will continue to be taught.

Scott Ryan

Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State

The question is that notice of motion No. 583, standing in the name of Senator Bernardi, be agreed to.