Letter sent to the Interim Children’s Commissioner, Ms Isabelle Crompton on 26.03.26
Dear Ms Crompton,
Subject: Concerns regarding transparency and parental engagement in Relationships and Sexuality Education programs in Tasmanian schools
I am writing on behalf of Women Speak Tasmania to raise concerns about a potential systemic issue affecting student wellbeing and parental engagement in Tasmanian government schools. I respectfully request that your office consider this matter within its oversight and advocacy functions.
This submission draws on recent Right to Information (RTI) outcomes, as well as multiple accounts provided to our organisation by Tasmanian parents regarding the delivery of Respectful Relationships and Consent Education programs, including the Growing Up Program (GUP) delivered by Family Planning Tasmania.
A consistent concern raised by parents is the limited transparency of program content. Families report being unable to access lesson materials, presentations, or supporting resources in advance, with some advised that such materials are not available for parental review. This has made it difficult for parents to assess age-appropriateness or make informed decisions regarding their child’s participation.
Recent RTI outcomes appear to reinforce these concerns. While a substantial number of documents relating to program delivery have been identified, many have been withheld or heavily redacted under exemptions relating to third-party business affairs and public interest considerations. In practice, this means parents remain unable to meaningfully scrutinise content delivered to their children in a classroom setting.
I have attached the schedule of documents from the relevant RTI request, which outlines the scope of material identified and the extent of redactions and exemptions applied.
Our organisation has also received multiple parent-reported accounts raising concerns about aspects of content delivery, including the language used in lessons and how certain concepts are introduced, particularly for younger students. These accounts, provided in confidence, are not uniform and are not presented as verified findings; however, they are consistent enough to raise legitimate questions about how student wellbeing, developmental readiness, and diversity of perspectives are being managed in practice. I would be pleased to provide anonymised summaries or facilitate further information if this would assist your office. Several parents have also indicated a willingness to share their experiences confidentially if requested.
Taken together, these issues raise broader questions relevant to your office’s mandate, including:
– Whether current arrangements adequately support the best interests of the child in educational settings;
– Whether parents are able to exercise their role in providing appropriate guidance, consistent with children’s evolving capacities; and
– Whether existing safeguards, transparency mechanisms, and complaint pathways are sufficient.
These considerations align with core principles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly the child’s best interests (Article 3) and the role of parents in providing guidance and direction (Article 5).
In light of the above, I respectfully request that your office consider:
1. Whether this issue warrants a systemic review or monitoring;
2. Whether further guidance may be required to support transparency, parental engagement, and student wellbeing in the delivery of sensitive curriculum content; and
3. Whether engagement with the Department for Education, Children and Young People would be appropriate to clarify expectations and safeguards.
This request is not intended to challenge the inclusion of Respectful Relationships and Consent Education Programs, nor the importance of respectful and inclusive teaching. Rather, it seeks to ensure such content is delivered in a way that is transparent, developmentally appropriate, and supportive of all students and families.
I would be pleased to provide any further information or meet with you or a member of your team if required.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your important work in promoting the rights and wellbeing of Tasmanian children and young people.
Kind regards,
Dr. Elizabeth Caballero
Retired General Practitioner
Director Women Speak Tasmania
Attachment: RTI Schedule of Documents
Follow- Up Email to the Interim Children’s Commissioner, Ms Isabelle Crompton on 10.04.26
Re: Follow- Up Concerns regarding transparency and parental engagement in Relationships and Consent Education programs in Tasmanian schools
Dear Ms Crompton,
I am writing to follow up on my correspondence dated 26 March 2026 regarding concerns about transparency and parental engagement in Relationships and Sexuality Education programs in Tasmanian schools.
I appreciate your office manages a significant workload; however, I note that we have not yet received an acknowledgment of receipt. Given the nature of the issues raised—particularly in relation to student wellbeing, parental involvement, and transparency—I would be grateful if you could confirm that this matter is under consideration.
As outlined in my original letter, this is not an isolated concern but reflects a pattern of parent-reported experiences alongside recent RTI outcomes. We believe this raises legitimate questions that fall within your office’s oversight role.
I would welcome advice on whether:
- The matter is being assessed for further review; or
- Additional information would assist your office in considering next steps.
We remain available to provide anonymised parent accounts or further documentation if helpful.
I look forward to your response.
Kind regards,
Dr Elizabeth Caballero
President, Women Speak Tasmania
Reply from the Office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Tas) on 14.04.26
Dear Dr Caballero,
Thank you for contacting our office.
Isabelle Crompton has taken long service leave, effective from 1 April 2026.
A new Interim Commissioner has commenced today.
We will review your correspondence and reply accordingly, at our soonest opportunity.
Thank you for your understanding,
Office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Tas)
Reply from the Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People (Tas) on 27.04.26
