❓ WA Parliamentary Question on Notice reveals data on reported physical assaults in public schools from 2021-2024, including assaults against students and staff, and the number of incidents reported to police.
AnsweredQoN 72Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) For each of the school years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in WA public schools, how many incidents of physical assault were reported as occurring against: (a) Another student; and (b) School staff? (2) How many of the incidents in (1) resulted in the filing of a police report ?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
26 June 2025
Responded by
Minister for Education
Response time
11 days
The Department of Education advises:
1. Physical assault against:
2021
2022
2023
2024
(a) Another student
1,581
1,404
1,860
1,591
(b) School staff
2,164
1,881
2,307
2,080
2. Physical assaults resulting in filing a police report
2021
2022
2023
2024
(a) Another student
208
206
194
132
(b) School staff
151
135
116
101
Notes:
The offender could be a student, parent/caregiver, or unknown party.
A single incident can involve multiple parties, such as a student and a staff member, being assaulted.
Staff includes both teaching and non-teaching roles, e.g. principals, teachers, education assistants and cleaners.
Filing a report to police does not mean police have been required to attend in all instances or a police reference number was provided.
Physical assault may include intentional or non-intentional incidents involving a person with disability and/or special needs.
1. Physical assault against:
2021
2022
2023
2024
(a) Another student
1,581
1,404
1,860
1,591
(b) School staff
2,164
1,881
2,307
2,080
2. Physical assaults resulting in filing a police report
2021
2022
2023
2024
(a) Another student
208
206
194
132
(b) School staff
151
135
116
101
Notes:
The offender could be a student, parent/caregiver, or unknown party.
A single incident can involve multiple parties, such as a student and a staff member, being assaulted.
Staff includes both teaching and non-teaching roles, e.g. principals, teachers, education assistants and cleaners.
Filing a report to police does not mean police have been required to attend in all instances or a police reference number was provided.
Physical assault may include intentional or non-intentional incidents involving a person with disability and/or special needs.
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