Greens spokesperson for education Hon Alison Xamon MLC has called on the Minister for Education to ensure policies related to addressing violence in schools do not exacerbate risks to vulnerable children.
Speaking in Parliament about the findings of the Coroner’s report into the deaths of 13 children and young people in the Kimberley, Ms Xamon said that it was imperative education policies took into account any potential impact on vulnerable students.
“In her inquest report the Coroner identified that all 13 children and young people had poor school attendance, consequential poor academic outcomes and most displayed behavioural issues at school,” said Ms Xamon.
“Attendance at school has been identified as an important protective factor against suicide in children and young people. As the Coroner notes, school can serve as the first place a child in need of help is identified; it can be a place of safety; and it can serve as a point of contact for other services to support these children.”
Ms Xamon said that each of the 13 children and young people whose lives were so tragically lost had fallen through gaps.
“Multiple opportunities to intervene in these young lives, and in essence to prevent suicide, were missed. It is clear that we must do better,” said Ms Xamon.
“The McGowan Government’s track record in education does not lead me to be overly optimistic about the Government’s response to the Coroner, which is expected over the coming months,” said Ms Xamon.
“Disappointingly, the Minister’s school violence action plan, which has already resulted in a significant increase in suspensions and exclusions, risks further disengaging students, rather than ensuring the underlying causes of their behaviour are addressed”.
Ms Xamon said the new violence action plan followed the Minister’s earlier decision to abolish 36 Aboriginal education regional consultant, manager and coordinator positions across the state.
“This resulted in schools, teachers and families losing direct on-the-ground support,” said Ms Xamon.
“Decisions about services to Aboriginal communities should not be made without consultation with those communities.”
Ms Xamon said this it was essential the Government prioritised its response to the Coroner’s report and that this response, developed in consultation with communities in the Kimberley, addressed issues with the impact of current government policies.
