The federal government kit promoted to help teachers recognise student radicalisation has drawn a cool response from the ACT government and teachers' union, as some of its authors said it was not intended for use in schools.
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The document has won few supporters and has been widely mocked on social media for its use of a sole case study under the "violent extremism" heading which describes a young woman involved in the "alternative music scene" and left-wing activism who moved on to sabotaging logging machinery.
Australian Education Union ACT branch secretary Glenn Fowler said on Friday he was yet to read the 32-page booklet, but the initial commentary, case studies and pictures had led him to seek a briefing with the ACT education directorate about whether it intended to use the kit.
"At first brush it looks like an ideological document, and I would question at this early stage whether it has any place in schools," he said.
"Teachers are professionals who know their students well and have a track record of making sound judgments about anything that's unusual."
Two of the authors of research used in the booklet, published by the Attorney-General's Department, said it was never intended for schools.
Education Minister Joy Burch appeared to show little interest in having the document distributed through schools, as was intended by the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Counter-Terrorism Michael Keenan when he launched the booklet on Monday.
"We thank the Commonwealth for their contribution," Ms Burch said on Friday.
"We know our schools and believe we have a good approach in place that respects all cultures and works closely across education and community organisations."
The booklet acknowledges radical thoughts are not a problem in themselves, with police and security agencies only interested in those who go further to act violently, or encourage violence.
"Advocacy and legal protest are legitimate ways to seek change in a democratic society, and radical ideas and actions have had a positive impact in Australia's history," it reads.
The case study of the environmental activist, Karen, is one of four in total, with others including an example of right-wing nationalism and two involved in terrorist-related activity.
One of the professors quoted at length in the booklet said Karen was intended to be an example of someone who did not radicalise.
Mr Keenan said radicalisation that came from contact with Islamic State was of primary concern to the government at this time.
The booklet said it was also intended to help those working with young people in youth clubs, religious organisations and community organisations.
