❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks data on parental concerns regarding curriculum content, particularly related to sexuality, gender, and family values. The response indicates this data isn't centrally tracked, but training and resources are available for schools.
AnsweredQoN 706Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline currently being implemented in schools, and I ask, for each school year from 2020 to 2024: (a) how many parents have formally requested to withdraw their children from specific curriculum content in each learning area; (b) what is the breakdown of these requests by learning area (Health and Physical Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, etc.); (c) how many schools have implemented "opt-in" policies requiring parental consent before delivering content related to sexuality, gender identity, or family structures; (d) what specific guidelines exist for schools regarding parental notification of curriculum content that may conflict with family values or religious beliefs; (e) how many formal complaints have been received regarding curriculum content, and what was the nature of these complaints; and (f) what training has been provided to teachers regarding respectful engagement with parents who hold traditional or religious views on family, sexuality, and gender?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 November 2025
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Education
Response time
8 days
Answer
(a) – (c) This information is not tracked centrally as all these decisions are made on a school-by-school basis. To provide a response would require an extensive survey of all public schools, which would divert staff away from their primary responsibilities.
(d) The School Education Act 1999 Section 72 outlines when a school principal may exempt a child from particular classes.
(e) Complaint data regarding curriculum content is not tracked centrally. Compiling this information would require the diversion of staff away from their primary responsibilities.
(f) Training and resources are available to support school leaders and staff to engage with students, parents and families and members of the school community, including:
· “Creating supportive and inclusive environments for gender-diverse students” online training
· guidance and advice on teaching controversial topics, promoting anti-racism, responding to racism and discrimination, and fostering multiculturalism in public schools, including engaging with parents and families.
· respectful relationships education resources.
(a) – (c) This information is not tracked centrally as all these decisions are made on a school-by-school basis. To provide a response would require an extensive survey of all public schools, which would divert staff away from their primary responsibilities.
(d) The School Education Act 1999 Section 72 outlines when a school principal may exempt a child from particular classes.
(e) Complaint data regarding curriculum content is not tracked centrally. Compiling this information would require the diversion of staff away from their primary responsibilities.
(f) Training and resources are available to support school leaders and staff to engage with students, parents and families and members of the school community, including:
· “Creating supportive and inclusive environments for gender-diverse students” online training
· guidance and advice on teaching controversial topics, promoting anti-racism, responding to racism and discrimination, and fostering multiculturalism in public schools, including engaging with parents and families.
· respectful relationships education resources.
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