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

The state government has scrambled to deny claims made in leaked correspondence that it was planning to scrap a “vital” $3m sex education program drawing “conservative Trump-like politics” condemnations from the Opposition.

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

The state government has scrambled to deny claims in leaked correspondence that it is scrapping a $3m sex education program to teach primary school students how to develop respectful relationships, navigate puberty and understand consent.

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

“That (women and girls) funding will continue and it will be outlined during the course of the budget process,” Mr Janetzki said.

The government on Wednesday denied it was cutting or reducing funding to the Ready, Set, Grow trial.

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

“All funds provided to the trial will be continued,” a spokesperson for Health Minister Tim Nicholls said.

“The Queensland Government has unequivocally guaranteed funding the Women and Girls Health Strategy.

“Any correspondence that indicates the cessation of programs within the Women’s and Girls Strategy is not correct and does not reflect any decision taken by the Minister or the Government.”

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls. Picture, John Gass

Opposition Leader Steven Miles said the timing of the government’s response was “very convenient”.

“There was very clearly a decision about this program [and] the department communicated that to the stakeholders,” Mr Miles said.

“But if the government has changed their mind, now that we’ve called them out on it, of course we welcome that we want the best possible outcome here, and continuing this program for young people is the outcome.”

Opposition spokeswoman for women Shannon Fentiman said she “didn’t believe it”.

“I don’t believe them. I believe that they don’t care about these programs, I believe that they have a problem with women, I believe they don’t want to fund the programs in the women and girls health strategy, and I believe that if we had not called them out on this, this program would not be starting next term as planned,” she said.

It is understood the trial is due to commence in six schools across Cairns and South Brisbane.

Queensland Opposition Leader Steven Miles. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire

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.

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

“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 was preparing to 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,” Ms 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.

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