Head of Education Department warns ‘tone and intensity’ of Voice debate has led to racism towards indigenous staff

Staff have been told racist behaviour will not be tolerated after reports the “tone and intensity” of the debate sparked complaints.

The head of SA’s Education Department has responded to reports of escalating racism towards staff following discussions about the Voice to Parliament referendum.

In an email, Education Department chief executive Martin Westwell said he was “extremely disappointed” to receive reports of racism towards indigenous staff members.

“It’s expected that, as individuals, we will respectfully engage with and discuss the referendum,” Mr Westwell wrote in the email.

“Recently, this has not been the experience for some Aboriginal staff.”

Mr Westwell went on to detail reports of intense debate had led to incidents of racism.

“I’ve been extremely disappointed to hear that the tone and intensity of the referendum debate has led to an escalation in the racism experienced by our Aboriginal colleagues at work,” he wrote.

Education Department chief executive Martin Westwell. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

One Nation MLC Sarah Game.

“This behaviour will not be tolerated in our workplace.”

Mr Westwell also warned teachers and support staff that while discussion about the Voice is expected to take place in the classroom, these conversations should not involve bias.

“As public sector employees working in an educational setting there are certain considerations in relation to the referendum that it’s important we keep in mind,” he wrote.

“Teachers and support staff should also ensure that in their professional roles they do not and are not perceived to persuade students, or our school and preschool communities, to hold a particular view on the Voice.”

To facilitate “respectful discussions” about the Voice in classrooms, Mr Westwell referred to a government conversation guide which outlines information about the referendum.

He also called upon Education Department workers to report incidents of racism.

“The Department for Education has a mandated procedure for employee complaints which provides for support, confidentiality and procedural fairness,” Mr Westall told The Advertiser. “This is underpinned by the Code of Ethics for the South Australian public sector which requires that public sector employees will, at all times, treat other people with respect and courtesy.”

The email comes after One Nation MLC Sarah Game wrote to Education Minister Blair Boyer about Members of Parliament visiting high schools and “promoting a distinct biased perspective towards the ‘yes’ vote”.

“Many of my constituents have voiced their concerns about the possibility that schools may foster a one-sided approach,” Ms Game wrote in an email.

“Schools should strive to offer a balanced perspective, particularly on such a significant matter.”