By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
CASEY councillors have voiced near-unanimous opposition against the State Government’s Building Respectful Relationships school program.
Councillor Rosalie Crestani, who brought the motion to a council meeting on 19 April, described the gender-based violence prevention program in public schools as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”.
Cr Crestani told the meeting that it promoted premature sexualising of young people, citing Casey Multifaith Networks’ concerns about explicit content.
“The community from so many walks of life have expressed outrage.”
It was a “sexually political agenda”, akin to a “communistic approach of having the child controlled by the state”, Cr Crestani said.
Parents wanting to “escape social engineering” and who couldn’t afford to send their children to private schools were considering home-schooling, she said.
An anti-family violence program for 12-year-olds was better focused on the effects of alcohol and cultural differences.
At the meeting, the council decided to invite parents, high school principals, faith communities, police and youth representatives to a forum to consider the program.
Cr Wayne Smith, the only dissenter, said he needed more information on the program before he supported Cr Crestani’s motion.
As a teacher who mentors young people, he works with children with trangender and sexuality questions.
“I don’t judge them … one of their issues is a lack of understanding among people around them.”
Mayor Sam Aziz retorted that Cr Smith’s need for more information on the program was a “fascinating position”.
“Then why are you supporting the program on your Facebook page?”
Cr Aziz said the “over-zealous” program was doing harm through corrupting and confusing children “who might not be confused”.
According to the government, the P-12 program introduced this year in government schools focuses on challenging negative attitudes leading to violence, particularly against women.
As part of the upcoming 2016/17 budget, the program will receive $21.8 million.
The funds include training for teachers and support 120 mentor “lighthouse” schools to champion the program.
Prevention of Family Violence Minister Fiona Richardson said a recent Royal Commission into family violence made it clear early intervention was a vital part of the solution.
