Qld politics: Labor’s blast as LNP cuts $3m sex ed program

Labor has blasted the “conservative Trump-like politics” of the LNP as an explosive leaked email reveal the latest targets of cuts.

Opposition spokeswoman for women Shannon Fentiman on Tuesday. Picture: Dan Peled/NCA NewsWire

A $3m sex education program to teach primary school students how to develop respectful relationships, navigate puberty and understand consent has been scrapped by the state government, according to leaked correspondence.

The Opposition is set to release explosive whistleblower documents relating to its flagship Queensland Puberty Health Education Project under its Queensland Women and Girls Health Strategy.

The $2.96m “Ready, Set, Grow” program had undergone extensive consultation involving 33 stakeholders and included a curriculum to help pre-pubescent students emotionally regulate, practice self-care, identify peer pressure and create personal safety plans.

It was set to be trialled in schools, however a leaked email sent to advisory network members in April confirmed that the Department of Health would no longer proceed for students in Years 5 and 6.

The Opposition has accused the government of ignoring public sentiment on sex education in schools and backtracking on earlier commitments, after Treasurer David Janetzki defended cuts to women and girls’ health in Parliament just three weeks ago.

It comes after sexual assault survivor Brittany Higgins this week lashed the government for pausing anti-discrimination laws that were poised to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence, homeless people and women at work.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles said research showed sexual education helped break the cycle of gender-based violence.

Treasurer David Janetzki recently defended cuts to women and girls’ health. Picture: Dan Peled/NCA NewsWire

“Millions of women like Brittany Higgins, Chanel Contos and Grace Tame have spent years fighting for better health outcomes and education,” he said.

“Now is not the time to be cutting vital education on the importance of respectful relationships and a proper education about puberty and sexual health.”

Labor also accused the government of bowing to internal conservative pressure, claiming other women’s health programs — such as pregnancy termination and endometriosis services — could be next on the chopping block.

The Opposition will demand the state government reverse its decision to scrap the Ready, Set, Grow program on Wednesday.

“Women across this state haven’t fought for decades for better health and education outcomes only for the LNP to quietly scrap something that nearly 100 per cent of students believe is important,” Opposition spokeswoman for women Shannon Fentiman said.

“Australians rejected the conservative Trump-like politics of the LNP – maybe (Premier) David Crisafulli might want to listen.”

A 2023 academic survey found nine in 10 parents backed the teaching of relationships and sexuality education in schools, while a national survey of secondary students found that more than 95 per cent considered it a crucial part of their learning.