Safe Schools is a vital education program that is about inclusion and support. It is an important tool for the prevention of bullying and discrimination. It addresses challenges faced by gender diverse students and students from diverse families, to ensure that all students are able to feel safe and supported in their school community.

The Safe Schools program is supported by parents, students and teachers from all walks of life. While it has broad community support, it also has particular support from our LGBTIQ communities, who know first-hard what it is like to be the victim of homophobic or transphobic bullying or harassment.

Conservative attacks on Safe Schools have been based on scare campaigns and misleading information about what the program involves.

Safe Schools is an evidence-based program created by educators. The materials and resources that make up the Safe Schools curriculum have been approved by the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training. They are designed to promote an environment where all students feel accepted and able to focus on their education.

Research tells us that many young people who are victims of transphobic or homophobic abuse or bullying will attempt self-harm and it is essential that those young people are supported within their school communities. Ensuring that our young people feel safe and included at school is key to their wellbeing.

When our community embraces diversity and celebrates difference, all of us benefit.

Read more about the Safe Schools Coalition at their website.

For more information on the Greens’ position on Safe Schools email [email protected]

Greens NSW MP and acting spokesperson on Sexuality & Gender Identity Dr Mehreen Faruqi has said that the reported conservative push against Safe Schools by a NSW Liberals MP (Daily Telegraph, 23 August 2016) is another example of unwarranted attacks and scare tactics being used on an important education program.

Last week's budget revealed plans by the Baird Liberal Government to shut down the Petersham TAFE West St Campus. The facility will be turned into a distance learning school for the Department of Education, a move that will have no benefit for inner west residents.

The University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney have signed a Heads of Agreement for the Sydney College of Arts (SCA) to merge into UNSW Art and Design.

The college at Callan Park, Rozelle, is set to transfer to UNSW Art & Design, with students set to complete their SCA courses at the UNSW campus in Paddington.

The 2016 NSW Budget brings bad news for public transport, housing affordability, TAFE, the Arts and our environment.

Here are some facts on where our public funds are being allocated.

Greens Member for Balmain Jamie Parker MP and Greens Member for Newtown Jenny Leong MP are supporting RPA staff who are calling on hospital administration to ensure they have on-going access to childcare.

Last week parents using the hospital’s Lucas Street Child Care Centre were told it would be demolished to make way for a staff car park. The State Members for Balmain and Newtown are backing a petition that demands access to both parking and child care.

We were surprised to hear about a “Community Consultation” session happening tomorrow morning at Central Train Station in relation to the new Inner City High School planned for Surry Hills.

Today we called on the Labor and Liberal parties to stop undermining our Tafe system. It's time to stop the attacks and fund Tafe properly. 

Media Release - 6 November 2015

The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) is promoting a campaign against the Safe Schools Coalition program around Australia. Greens NSW Sexuality and Gender Diversity Spokesperson Jenny Leong says that the program is an essential service that provides support for vulnerable students and their families.

She says: “We are disappointed but not surprised to see yet another scare campaign by the ACL targeting an important service for the LGBTIQ community.”

“The Greens are proud supporters of the Safe Schools Program, and feel that ensuring our young people feel safe and included at school is key to their wellbeing.

Media Release: 26 August 2015: Greens slam Piccoli’s ‘Gayby Baby’ ban

The Greens NSW response to sensationalised coverage in the Daily Telegraph regarding the documentary ‘Gayby Baby’, and NSW Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli’s kneejerk reaction.

Greens NSW spokesperson on Sexuality and Gender Identity, Member for Newtown Jenny Leong said:

"Gayby Baby is an important and wonderful film telling the stories of a number of families in NSW from the children’s perspective.