Women Speak Tasmania

Category: Schools

  • Advocating for Transparency in Children’s Education: The Growing Up Program

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    In June 2025, Women Speak Tasmania reached out to Family Planning Tasmania (FPT) to request detailed information about the Growing Up Program (GUP), a sexuality and protective behaviours program delivered in Tasmanian primary schools. Our inquiry focused on understanding how the program addresses the concept of “identity,” particularly in relation to gender, and its alignment…

  • Take Pride Out of Schools

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    The Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) recently shared a celebratory post about attending the Pride Parade, highlighting their commitment to “creating a safe and supportive environment for children, young people and their families.” On the surface, it sounds inclusive—and yet, for Women Speak Tasmania, it’s deeply troubling. When “Safety” Becomes Gender…

  • Comments on the Tasmanian DECYP Respectful Relationship Education Y7-10 & Y11-12

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    Recently, concerned educators and parents have raised alarms about the content of the Respectful Relationships Education (RRE) Years 11–12 document. While its stated aim is to prevent domestic violence and promote healthy relationships, the material contains highly sensitive content on sexuality, violent behaviours, and pornography that may in fact undermine safeguarding principles. Troubling Teaching Methods…

  • Comments on the Tasmanian DECYP Respectful Relationships Education Foundation–Year 6

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    The Tasmanian Department of Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) has developed a Respectful Relationships Education package for children from Foundation through Year 6. On first glance, the program looks positive—focusing on kindness, empathy, inclusion and teaching children how to stay safe. But a closer reading reveals some worrying gaps in safeguarding, and creeping use…

  • Comments on the Tasmanian DECYP Respectful Relationships and Consent in the Early Years

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    The Respectful Relationships and Consent in the Early Years document contains some useful material for teachers. However, a close reading – along with an examination of the links embedded within it – shows that the resource is underpinned by gender ideology. It is written on the assumption that this ideology is universally accepted and uncontroversial,…

  • A Critique of Welcome to Sex: Why This Book is Inappropriate for Children

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    The publication of Welcome to Sex has sparked controversy across Australia, and with good reason. Marketed as a “fun and inclusive” guide for young people, the book has been placed in the children’s and young teen sections of major bookstores. Yet, on closer inspection, it is clear that the material is graphic, sexualising, and wholly…

  • Gender Ideology Indoctrination in Tasmanian Schools – Case Studies

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    Parents across Tasmania are raising serious concerns about the content being delivered to children in schools. Recent reports suggest that some educational materials are embedding “gender ideology” into the curriculum, leaving families worried about the appropriateness and influence of these lessons. Allegations from Parents Screenshots shared by concerned parents reveal that students are being exposed…

  • Advocating for Girls: WST’s Submission to the Inquiry into Discrimination & Bullying

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    Women Speak Tasmania is a non-profit dedicated to protecting the rights of women and girls—has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s inquiry into discrimination and bullying in schools. We hope that our submission points to a deeply worrying trend: the infusion of gender ideology into teacher training, posing risks to students and educators alike. Key Highlights from…

  • Safer Student Bathrooms in Tasmania: A Step Forward, But Are There Hidden Risks?

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    What is the Safer Student Bathrooms Program? The Tasmanian Government’s Safer Student Bathrooms Program was announced in the 2021 election commitments. Launched with the goal of making school toilets safer, reduce bullying, and improve student wellbeing. Backed by a $6.3 million investment, the program has already been rolled out in several schools including Huonville High…

  • Leaked Training Materials: A Closer Look

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    Women Speak Tasmania (WST) has uncovered concerning information regarding the content of teacher training programs delivered in Tasmanian schools. These programs, provided by the Department for Education, Children and Young People in collaboration with the political lobby group Working It Out, raise significant concerns about the rights and safety of women and girls in educational…