As a concerned parent and community advocate, I join many other parents, carers, and guardians in requesting further investigations into the Education Department and their systems.
We need open dialogue. We need answers. And above all, we need action.
I often hear from families who are deeply troubled by what is happening in our schools and within the Education Department. Many of these concerns are not being addressed, despite repeated attempts by parents and carers to seek help and resolution.
Silenced for Speaking Up
Children, Parents, caregivers, are being threatened with legal action simply for advocating for their child/children's safety and rights. Even those parents who respectfully raise concerns about their children's safety and wellbeing are being:
· Placed under communication restrictions.
· Banned from entering their children's schools.
· Threatened with fines or even jail time.
Ask yourself.
How would you feel if this happened to you?
What if your child was asking for help, and no one listened?
When Families Are Left in the Dark
Too often, families are learning through the media, not the school, that violent or threatening incidents have taken place.
Too often, educators are witnessing assaults, and yet some have not acted.
Too often, children experiencing bullying, harassment, and mental health struggles are sent back into the same classrooms, where the abuse continues and sometimes even escalates.
Yes, this is happening. Not just in isolated cases, but across schools in the state and nationwide.
Punished for Being a Victim
Some children are being disciplined for defending themselves. Victims of abuse, be it physical, psychological, or even sexual, are often treated as the problem, rather than being protected and supported.
● The forms of abuse being reported include:
● Violations of children’s rights
● Physical and psychological bullying
● Sexual abuse and grooming
● Racial and cultural discrimination
● Failure to file mandatory reports
● Inconsistent enforcement of policies
● Further victimisation after reporting abuse
These are not just complaints—they are serious allegations, supported by years of documentation and evidence. Some have been reported in the media, social media platforms, and other media outlets. As well as parents/carers documentation.
The Human Cost:
A Mental Health Crisis in Our Schools - Our children are hurting.
● Many are placed on mental health care plans just to attend school.
● Some are self-harming, experiencing suicidal thoughts, and far more.
● Children are being admitted to hospitals with mental health issues that in some cases stem directly from their school experiences.
Others are dropping out entirely or being pressured to leave via “school leavers” forms, often before they are ready to leave.
How have we reached a point where attending school becomes a mental health risk?
Why are our children choosing FLOW programs, apprenticeships, VET courses, homeschooling, or simply walking away, just to escape the school environment?
This Is a Systemic Issue
This crisis does not reflect on all educators, many of whom are dedicated professionals. In fact, many of our best teachers are leaving the profession due to:
● Unsafe working environments
● Bullying and harassment from both leadership and the community
● Lack of support from within the system
● A toxic culture of cover-ups and blame-shifting
● Overwhelming expectations and limited resources
It is Time for Change
The toxic culture in some of our schools must be addressed.
● We need genuine investigations into the Education Department, its complaint handling, and the treatment of students, parents, care givers and educators.
● We need policies applied fairly and consistently.
● We need safe and nurturing environments for all children/educators.
● We need to protect whistleblowers, including children, parents, care givers and educators, who speak up for what is right.
● And most importantly, we need accountability from leadership at every level.
Children should be allowed to thrive, not merely survive.
They should feel safe, respected, and supported at school, not fearful, silenced, or broken.
This is not an attack on educators, many of whom are advocates and allies.
This is a plea for change within a system that has failed too many for too long.
Please take a moment to view and support the petition by sharing and remember this is not about targeting individuals, it is about raising awareness, protecting children, parents, carers, educators and demanding systemic change.
7.30 report by Adele Ferguson of ABC Investigations – baby being slapped in face by childcare worker – warning the video below is disturbing.
SA new school laws – Sunrise YouTube 25 February 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAYYnk8sMQk
How many children have committed suicide - Adelaide mother speaks up about her son’s bullying at Reynella East College and reveals the devastating way she will remember forever | 7NEWS.
Ombudsman report finds multiple failings by Department of Education following child sex abuse allegations - ABC News
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-13/victoria-ombudsman-child-sexual-abuse-report/104930932
I would personally like to thank One Nation Pauline Hanson for tabling this petition on 25 March 2025 in the Chamber at 6.14 pm.
Thank you for your support, in reading, sharing, and signing this petition.
Together we can make a difference.
Kind Regards
Alison