Australia’s Coalition proposes education reform with Western values — ABC News Australia
Australia’s Coalition has presented a plan for comprehensive school education reform that provides for the study of Western values, the abolition of cross-curriculum priorities in the national curriculum, and faster teacher training. ABC News reports, citing a statement by Shadow Minister for Education Julian Leeser, which he made in western Sydney.
According to Leeser, the reform is intended to restore high educational standards amid problems with learning outcomes, boys’ engagement in education, and disciplinary disruptions in classrooms. He also stated that the Australian flag should be displayed in all schools in order to strengthen students’ national pride.
Changes to the curriculum
The Coalition proposes shortening the national curriculum and abandoning cross-curriculum priorities that currently integrate the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australia’s engagement with Asia, and sustainability across various subjects.
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Leeser stressed that these topics are important, but should be taught as separate, carefully planned topics within geography, history, or science. At the same time, under the Coalition’s plan, students should separately study Western values and culture, including democracy, the rule of law, the principle of a fair go, constitutional monarchy, and Australia’s federation. The program also provides for familiarity with classic works of literature, art, music, and philosophy.
Teacher training
A separate part of the initiative is changing approaches to teacher training to overcome staff shortages. The Coalition plans to support a return to a one-year teacher accreditation system. Leeser cited 2023 data from the New South Wales Productivity Commission, according to which 9,000 teachers did not enter the profession in 2015–2022 because of the transition to longer qualification programs.
The Coalition is also considering creating streamlined pathways into teaching for military veterans, linking the idea to the need to improve discipline in classrooms. The plan provides for framework guidelines that will help schools formulate clear rules of conduct for students amid cases of insults directed at teachers.
