Teachers will be better equipped to talk to students about respect and relationships under a $77 million plan unveiled by Labor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An Albanese government would partner with state and territory governments and school systems to deliver consistent and high-quality respectful relationship programs, with the intent of preventing violence and improving child safety.
The plan also provides additional support staff in schools and help for students and families who have experienced violence.
"There's nowhere near enough support to train teachers properly in this kind of education, and some schools don't have access to programs developed by experts," Labor's education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek said in a statement.
"Too many school students are missing out on education that can help keep them safe."
Ms Plibersek says children are being left vulnerable due to the lack of education covering consent, sexual harassment and violence and family and domestic violence.
"It's also about teaching kids how to seek help if they feel unsafe," she said.
"Age-appropriate respectful relationships education can also help promote equality between women and men and improve classroom behaviour."
Consent education became a hot topic after Australian student Chanel Contos drew thousands of responses after asking women to share their experiences of sexual assault at school.
Ms Contos - who was sexually assaulted at 13 - started the Teach Us Consent campaign in early 2021.
A year later, Australian education ministers agreed to overhaul the way consent education was delivered in schools across the country.
Australian Associated Press