Victorian Education Policies

General Concerns

Victorian Government education policies are increasingly limiting the space for religious beliefs in public institutions. The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 and related policies have reduced the visibility of religious expression—such as shifting Special Religious Instruction (SRI) to outside regular class hours. This change restricts access for many students, especially those unable to stay after school.

Curriculum changes, especially around gender and sexuality, through programs like Respectful Relationships and Safe Schools, often present values that conflict with traditional religious teachings. These programs leave little room for respectful disagreement.

Proposed reforms to the Equal Opportunity Act could also restrict faith-based schools from hiring staff who share their values, further eroding their ability to maintain a religious ethos.


Respectful Relationships Policy

The Respectful Relationships program is mandatory in all government schools and heavily promotes gender theory. For many faith communities, this clashes with deeply held beliefs on gender roles and family structures.

Parents cannot withdraw their children from this curriculum, limiting their ability to guide their child’s moral development. Expressing traditional views may be seen as intolerant, discouraging open discussion of religious perspectives.


Sexuality and Consent Education

This policy includes compulsory lessons on topics like sexual orientation, gender identity, and affirmative consent. It is presented through a secular lens and does not allow parents to opt their children out.

Faith-based beliefs on sexuality are often portrayed as outdated, leading to feelings of exclusion among religious students and teachers who may be unable to express their views without fear of judgment.


Mature Minors and Decision Making

This policy allows students under 18 to make significant decisions—such as accessing contraception or gender services—without parental consent, provided a professional deems them mature enough.

While intended to empower young people, it can override the role of parents in guiding moral and spiritual decisions. This may conflict directly with a family’s religious convictions and risks weakening trust between schools and faith-based communities.

In Summary

Victorian education policy is trending toward a model of uniform ideological conformity, eroding the legitimate place of religious belief in public life. A truly inclusive education system must respect diversity of thought—including the right of families and schools to uphold their faith convictions without fear of marginalisation or legal penalty.