- Crisafulli Government is delivering the next phase of the $33 million anti-bullying in schools program.
- Whole-of-community approach to tackle bullying and create safer school communities.
- Rockhampton roundtable leads the way in developing local solutions with more local meetings planned in North Queensland and the Southeast this year.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering positive results to address poor classroom behaviour and bullying after it skyrocketed on Labor’s watch during their decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to tackle bullying in schools, launching the new step of its anti-bullying program at a roundtable in Rockhampton today.
Under the former Labor Government, behaviour incidents and bullying in Queensland classrooms soared and teacher occupational violence skyrocketed more than 200 per cent, from 2021 to 2024.
Central Queensland community leaders, Members of Parliament, educators, parents and other stakeholders came together to consider how they can contribute to a whole-of-community approach to reduce and prevent bullying in schools.
Chair of the Queensland Anti-Bullying Expert Advisory Panel, Professor Donna Pendergast AM was joined by the Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek to lead the roundtable.
Professor Pendergast is a highly regarded leader in education and student engagement, with extensive experience in shaping school policy and fostering positive school cultures.
Since the Crisafulli Government launched its Behavioural Boost plan – as part of its plan to deliver a fresh start – behaviour in schools across Queensland has improved, including in Central Queensland with a 7 per cent improvement.
The Roundtable is part of a broader suite of anti-bullying initiatives being delivered by the Crisafulli Government which includes:
- Establishing Rapid Support Teams, including a new Parent Navigator service;
- The establishment of a new Anti-Bullying Expert Advisory Panel;
- Providing additional funding for chaplains and student wellbeing staff;
- Developing new and updated professional development resources for teachers and school support staff;
- Expanding access to a dedicated crisis support hotline Parentline;
- A statewide campaign for parents and carers of school aged children to create awareness of the new anti-bullying initiatives.
Minister for Education and the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek said the Rockhampton Roundtable marked an important milestone in the Crisafulli Government’s plans to address bullying in Queensland schools and communities.
“Bullying is a complex issue that requires a united response from schools, families, and the broader community,” Minister Langbroek said.
“It doesn’t stop at the school gates, and neither should our efforts to address it.
“We are seeing positive early signs in our efforts to address bullying and behaviour in classrooms, but there is still more work to be done.
“This roundtable is about bringing together the voices of our community to develop practical, local solutions to tackle bullying and create safer, more inclusive environments for our children.
“Our approach is in line with the findings of the Australian Government’s 2025 Anti-Bullying Rapid Review, which highlighted the need for a collaborative, community-wide effort to address bullying.
“The Crisafulli Government has a zero tolerance approach to bullying, unlike Labor who refused to listen to the concerns of school communities during their decade of chaos and crisis.
“Labor left us many challenges, but already we’ve delivered plans to tackle bullying including Behaviour Boost, rapid support teams, expanded Parentline hours, additional funding for chaplains and wellbeing staff and Anti-Bullying Expert Advisory Panel.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued, whether they’re at school, at home, or in the community.”
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Thomson 0447 221 816
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