SCHOOLS across Queensland are set to get a $14.3 million boost as part of a national push for consent and respectful relationship education.
The Federal Government has outlined $77.6 million that will be given to public and non-government schools for age-appropriate and evidence-based lessons on consent.
Education Minister Jason Clare said the programs would help to foster positive attitudes towards consent from an early age.
“One in five women and one in 16 men in Australia have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. Sexual violence is a national shame,” he said.
“A range of approaches are needed, and there is a role to play in the classroom to make sure that young people develop healthy relationships.
“This investment is important in making sure we help our youngest Australians, in particular boys and men, to have healthy, respectful relationships.”
The funding will help deliver the consent education, as well as develop partnerships between schools and organisations in the field and provide professional development for teachers.
The first round of annual funding was rolled out from June and comes as the Government launched a year-long, national consent campaign aimed at clearing up confusion.
Mr Clare said implementation would be guided by the National Respectful Relationships Education Expert Working Group.
He said the education program complemented the national consent campaign, launched in May, which was aimed at adults so they could better understand consent and help them feel more comfortable having conversations with their children.
“It also complements the latest phase of the Stop It At The Start campaign, designed to combat misogynistic attitudes and influences online,” he said.
