The Liberal Nationals move to protect home schooling

The Liberal Nationals have this week moved a motion in the Victorian Parliament seeking to disallow the Andrews Labor Government’s contentious changes to home schooling, says Shadow Minister for Education Nick Wakeling.

Under the changes, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority can refuse registration for home schooling if it considers it ‘inappropriate’ for a student to be home schooled.

Children who are being bullied at school will also be compelled to remain at school for up to 28 days, while the VRQA assesses an application for registration, until it is determined that home schooling is ‘appropriate’ for the child.

These new powers mean that if a parent elects to home school their child, the government can effectively override the parent’s decision to choose the appropriate educational setting for their child.

From 1 January 2018, these new rules will apply to all families intending to commence or continue educational instruction at home in the 2018 school calendar year.

By disallowing these punitive measures introduced by Daniel Andrews, the Liberal Nationals will aim to restore the rights of parents to choose the appropriate educational setting for their child, and respect the individual needs of students.

The Liberal Nationals will also create a standing home schooling advisory body, which will provide ongoing advice directly to government about the needs of the home education sector, and how to lift outcomes for students who are home schooled.

The Coordinator of the Home Education Network, Sue Wight, thanked the Liberal Nationals for listening, and for standing up for Victorian home school families.

Quotes attributable to Nick Wakeling, Shadow Minister for Education:

“The Liberal Nationals have genuinely listened to the concerns of home schooling families, and are acting to preserve a parent’s rights over their child’s education.

“Under Daniel Andrews literacy and numeracy standards are declining, because he continues with his ‘government-knows-best’ attitude and fails to listen to parents.”

Quotes attributable to Sue Wight, Coordinator, Home Education Network:

“The Home Education Network thanks the Liberal Nationals for the respect they have shown towards the home education community.

“It’s important for parents to retain the right to choose the appropriate education for their child without unnecessary interference from government.”

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