Principals ‘are not police': Warning on new school leaders' powers
The state government was warned to 'proceed with caution' before granting government school principals new powers to punish off-campus behaviour that puts students or teachers at serious risk.
The principals' peak body told the Department of Education that parents would expect school leaders to act like law enforcement officials when they are granted the expanded powers, aimed predominantly at online misconduct that has an adverse affect in the classroom or playground.
Australian Principals Federation president Tina King said the profession had been blindsided on Wednesday morning when Education Minister Ben Carroll announced the changes.
A school community in Melbourne's west was left reeling last week when footage was widely circulated online showing students allegedly attacking other children with a machete in the toilets of a local McDonald's. It is unclear if the new powers for principals would be able to be used in those circumstances.
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Carroll says the new powers are based on similar arrangements in NSW and South Australia, where principals can suspend or expel students for out-of-school conduct. Many Victorian private schools can also act on behaviour by students or parents off school grounds.
'These new measures ensure that harmful behaviour – no matter where it happens – doesn't disrupt the safe, supportive environment every student deserves in the education state,' Carroll said on Wednesday.
'These strengthened powers send a clear message that harmful behaviour outside of school or online has consequences.'
But King says her group is worried that principals will be asked to intervene in matters that have nothing to do with school.
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The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
So assertive: Liberal women rebuke party elder for jibe
The Liberal Party has been warned not to allow "out-of-touch" men to dictate its future as its treatment of women returns to the spotlight. Former federal Liberal president Alan Stockdale set off a political powder keg when he told a gathering of female executives Liberal women had become "so assertive" the party might need to consider support for men. As the Liberals reckon with an election drubbing partially driven by a drop in women's support, female members of the coalition have united to lash Mr Stockdale. Hilma's Network co-founder Charlotte Mortlock, whose organisation supports women in the Liberal Party, is calling for action. "Out-of-touch men continue to tarnish the party's reputation ... we can't keep allowing a disconnected membership to determine the future of the party," she told AAP on Thursday. "No one is voting for female politicians to go into parliament and not be assertive. "They don't want wallflowers in Canberra, they want intelligent, assertive women who are going to make a contribution to our democracy to improve our country." Mr Stockdale, who was treasurer under ex-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, made the comments at the NSW Liberal Women's Council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a source. The group were discussing the need for gender quotas when the 80-year-old said words to the effect the women in the party were so assertive special rules may be needed for men to get them preselected. He later told the Daily Telegraph he had made "a lighthearted but poorly chosen remark". Sussan Ley, the first female leader of the federal coalition, and her deputy Ted O'Brien hit back at the comments. "There is nothing wrong with being an assertive woman, in fact I encourage assertive women to join the Liberal Party," Ms Ley said in a statement. "The Liberal Party must reflect, respect and represent modern Australia and that means recognising the strength, merit and leadership of the women in our ranks." The party has tried to quietly address its "women's issue" but Ms Mortlock said it has not worked. Gender quotas for women were "long overdue" and she urged the party to overhaul its constitution and pre-selection process. "We need to do the reform internally and to be vocal and outspoken when things like this happen so we can prove to women that we aren't going into parliament to be apologists for men's bad behaviour," Ms Mortlock said. The Liberals have long been accused of placing female candidates in unwinnable positions and their policies have recently failed to convince female voters. This was laid bare in May when the party was dealt its worst-ever federal election loss, after a campaign that including the announcement of a policy requiring public servants to stop working from home. That was blamed for alienating women voters, many of whom use the arrangement to balance their jobs with child care and other duties. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told Mr Stockdale to "read the room" and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the party had lost its way. The NSW division of the Liberals, in particular, has been in turmoil after it failed to nominate more than 140 candidates for the statewide local government elections in September. The federal Liberals took over and appointed three figures, including Mr Stockdale and another Victorian, to oversee the party's state affairs. Mr Albanese claimed this triumvirate had been put in charge as a result of former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott and the desire of the party's hard right faction to banish the historically moderate leadership. During question time in NSW parliament, Labor Premier Chris Minns noted the shadow ministry, composed of 10 women and 16 men, was "like a men's shed". "They're going to have to install urinals," he said. The Liberal Party has been warned not to allow "out-of-touch" men to dictate its future as its treatment of women returns to the spotlight. Former federal Liberal president Alan Stockdale set off a political powder keg when he told a gathering of female executives Liberal women had become "so assertive" the party might need to consider support for men. As the Liberals reckon with an election drubbing partially driven by a drop in women's support, female members of the coalition have united to lash Mr Stockdale. Hilma's Network co-founder Charlotte Mortlock, whose organisation supports women in the Liberal Party, is calling for action. "Out-of-touch men continue to tarnish the party's reputation ... we can't keep allowing a disconnected membership to determine the future of the party," she told AAP on Thursday. "No one is voting for female politicians to go into parliament and not be assertive. "They don't want wallflowers in Canberra, they want intelligent, assertive women who are going to make a contribution to our democracy to improve our country." Mr Stockdale, who was treasurer under ex-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, made the comments at the NSW Liberal Women's Council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a source. The group were discussing the need for gender quotas when the 80-year-old said words to the effect the women in the party were so assertive special rules may be needed for men to get them preselected. He later told the Daily Telegraph he had made "a lighthearted but poorly chosen remark". Sussan Ley, the first female leader of the federal coalition, and her deputy Ted O'Brien hit back at the comments. "There is nothing wrong with being an assertive woman, in fact I encourage assertive women to join the Liberal Party," Ms Ley said in a statement. "The Liberal Party must reflect, respect and represent modern Australia and that means recognising the strength, merit and leadership of the women in our ranks." The party has tried to quietly address its "women's issue" but Ms Mortlock said it has not worked. Gender quotas for women were "long overdue" and she urged the party to overhaul its constitution and pre-selection process. "We need to do the reform internally and to be vocal and outspoken when things like this happen so we can prove to women that we aren't going into parliament to be apologists for men's bad behaviour," Ms Mortlock said. The Liberals have long been accused of placing female candidates in unwinnable positions and their policies have recently failed to convince female voters. This was laid bare in May when the party was dealt its worst-ever federal election loss, after a campaign that including the announcement of a policy requiring public servants to stop working from home. That was blamed for alienating women voters, many of whom use the arrangement to balance their jobs with child care and other duties. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told Mr Stockdale to "read the room" and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the party had lost its way. The NSW division of the Liberals, in particular, has been in turmoil after it failed to nominate more than 140 candidates for the statewide local government elections in September. The federal Liberals took over and appointed three figures, including Mr Stockdale and another Victorian, to oversee the party's state affairs. Mr Albanese claimed this triumvirate had been put in charge as a result of former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott and the desire of the party's hard right faction to banish the historically moderate leadership. During question time in NSW parliament, Labor Premier Chris Minns noted the shadow ministry, composed of 10 women and 16 men, was "like a men's shed". "They're going to have to install urinals," he said. The Liberal Party has been warned not to allow "out-of-touch" men to dictate its future as its treatment of women returns to the spotlight. Former federal Liberal president Alan Stockdale set off a political powder keg when he told a gathering of female executives Liberal women had become "so assertive" the party might need to consider support for men. As the Liberals reckon with an election drubbing partially driven by a drop in women's support, female members of the coalition have united to lash Mr Stockdale. Hilma's Network co-founder Charlotte Mortlock, whose organisation supports women in the Liberal Party, is calling for action. "Out-of-touch men continue to tarnish the party's reputation ... we can't keep allowing a disconnected membership to determine the future of the party," she told AAP on Thursday. "No one is voting for female politicians to go into parliament and not be assertive. "They don't want wallflowers in Canberra, they want intelligent, assertive women who are going to make a contribution to our democracy to improve our country." Mr Stockdale, who was treasurer under ex-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, made the comments at the NSW Liberal Women's Council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a source. The group were discussing the need for gender quotas when the 80-year-old said words to the effect the women in the party were so assertive special rules may be needed for men to get them preselected. He later told the Daily Telegraph he had made "a lighthearted but poorly chosen remark". Sussan Ley, the first female leader of the federal coalition, and her deputy Ted O'Brien hit back at the comments. "There is nothing wrong with being an assertive woman, in fact I encourage assertive women to join the Liberal Party," Ms Ley said in a statement. "The Liberal Party must reflect, respect and represent modern Australia and that means recognising the strength, merit and leadership of the women in our ranks." The party has tried to quietly address its "women's issue" but Ms Mortlock said it has not worked. Gender quotas for women were "long overdue" and she urged the party to overhaul its constitution and pre-selection process. "We need to do the reform internally and to be vocal and outspoken when things like this happen so we can prove to women that we aren't going into parliament to be apologists for men's bad behaviour," Ms Mortlock said. The Liberals have long been accused of placing female candidates in unwinnable positions and their policies have recently failed to convince female voters. This was laid bare in May when the party was dealt its worst-ever federal election loss, after a campaign that including the announcement of a policy requiring public servants to stop working from home. That was blamed for alienating women voters, many of whom use the arrangement to balance their jobs with child care and other duties. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told Mr Stockdale to "read the room" and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the party had lost its way. The NSW division of the Liberals, in particular, has been in turmoil after it failed to nominate more than 140 candidates for the statewide local government elections in September. The federal Liberals took over and appointed three figures, including Mr Stockdale and another Victorian, to oversee the party's state affairs. Mr Albanese claimed this triumvirate had been put in charge as a result of former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott and the desire of the party's hard right faction to banish the historically moderate leadership. During question time in NSW parliament, Labor Premier Chris Minns noted the shadow ministry, composed of 10 women and 16 men, was "like a men's shed". "They're going to have to install urinals," he said. The Liberal Party has been warned not to allow "out-of-touch" men to dictate its future as its treatment of women returns to the spotlight. Former federal Liberal president Alan Stockdale set off a political powder keg when he told a gathering of female executives Liberal women had become "so assertive" the party might need to consider support for men. As the Liberals reckon with an election drubbing partially driven by a drop in women's support, female members of the coalition have united to lash Mr Stockdale. Hilma's Network co-founder Charlotte Mortlock, whose organisation supports women in the Liberal Party, is calling for action. "Out-of-touch men continue to tarnish the party's reputation ... we can't keep allowing a disconnected membership to determine the future of the party," she told AAP on Thursday. "No one is voting for female politicians to go into parliament and not be assertive. "They don't want wallflowers in Canberra, they want intelligent, assertive women who are going to make a contribution to our democracy to improve our country." Mr Stockdale, who was treasurer under ex-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, made the comments at the NSW Liberal Women's Council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a source. The group were discussing the need for gender quotas when the 80-year-old said words to the effect the women in the party were so assertive special rules may be needed for men to get them preselected. He later told the Daily Telegraph he had made "a lighthearted but poorly chosen remark". Sussan Ley, the first female leader of the federal coalition, and her deputy Ted O'Brien hit back at the comments. "There is nothing wrong with being an assertive woman, in fact I encourage assertive women to join the Liberal Party," Ms Ley said in a statement. "The Liberal Party must reflect, respect and represent modern Australia and that means recognising the strength, merit and leadership of the women in our ranks." The party has tried to quietly address its "women's issue" but Ms Mortlock said it has not worked. Gender quotas for women were "long overdue" and she urged the party to overhaul its constitution and pre-selection process. "We need to do the reform internally and to be vocal and outspoken when things like this happen so we can prove to women that we aren't going into parliament to be apologists for men's bad behaviour," Ms Mortlock said. The Liberals have long been accused of placing female candidates in unwinnable positions and their policies have recently failed to convince female voters. This was laid bare in May when the party was dealt its worst-ever federal election loss, after a campaign that including the announcement of a policy requiring public servants to stop working from home. That was blamed for alienating women voters, many of whom use the arrangement to balance their jobs with child care and other duties. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told Mr Stockdale to "read the room" and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the party had lost its way. The NSW division of the Liberals, in particular, has been in turmoil after it failed to nominate more than 140 candidates for the statewide local government elections in September. The federal Liberals took over and appointed three figures, including Mr Stockdale and another Victorian, to oversee the party's state affairs. Mr Albanese claimed this triumvirate had been put in charge as a result of former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott and the desire of the party's hard right faction to banish the historically moderate leadership. During question time in NSW parliament, Labor Premier Chris Minns noted the shadow ministry, composed of 10 women and 16 men, was "like a men's shed". "They're going to have to install urinals," he said.
AU Financial Review
12 hours ago
- AU Financial Review
NSW Liberal Party takeover shaping up as Sussan Ley's next big test
Factional bosses are pushing Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to end the federal takeover of the NSW Liberal Party, setting up a second test of her leadership in as many months as she tries to manage two warring factions. Ley on Wednesday stepped in to rebuke one of the committee administrators, former Victorian treasurer Alan Stockdale, for saying female party members had become 'so assertive' their male counterparts needed protection.
Sydney Morning Herald
13 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Foot in the mouth elder statesman has done the Liberals no favour
Just when the Liberal Party is struggling to rebuild and move into the 21st century following a series of self-inflicted wounds and May 3's near-death electoral defeat, a blundering tribal elder has glanced backwards and shown that political parties are quite capable of rotting from the top. Alan Stockdale, a former Liberal Party federal president and ex-Victorian treasurer, brought in to save the NSW Liberal branch from self harm, has managed to shoot himself and the party in the feet, telling a Zoom meeting of the NSW Liberal Women's Council this week, 'women are sufficiently assertive now… we should be giving some thought to whether we need to protect men's involvement'. As bewildered outrage raced along the Liberals' bush telegraph and federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley all but sneered, Stockdale apologised. 'Following a discussion of quotas, I made a light-hearted but poorly chosen remark. I certainly intended no disrespect to anyone, and I regret that people felt disrespected,' he said. Not good enough, sir. A current perspective on Stockdale could explain such shellback obstinacy: as a state treasurer he played Elon Musk to Jeff Kennett's Donald Trump when the Liberals swept a floundering Labor government aside and imposed radical financial reforms and massive public service cuts. Post politics, board chairmanships and a six-year stint as federal president followed. Former leader Peter Dutton last year appointed Stockdale, 80, another outsider, former Victorian senator Richard Alston, 84, and former NSW MP Peta Seaton, 65, as administrators to run the NSW division after its failure to nominate 144 candidates for local government elections. However, there is deep division over whether their planned term should end on June 30. The federal executive of the party will consider an extension of the trio's term at a meeting on June 17. The Liberals' plight has forced modernisation. But Stockdale's antediluvian comments on Liberal women are absurd, especially when commonsense demands the party abandon the entrenched opposition to affirmative action and quotas for women. His words also display political ineptitude unworthy of an elder statesman charged with rebuilding his party to recapture its lost heartland. As the Herald 's state political editor Alexandra Smith noted, Stockdale's pitch to Liberal women should be enough to send the clear message that he and Alston were not the right pick, let alone demographic, to turn around a troubled party which has been reduced to a rump of just six federal seats in NSW. Their term should not be extended, and consideration to appointing talented women of the Liberal Party should take the reins. This does not mean the end of federal intervention. The Liberals remain a mess that must be cleaned up and a new beginning found. Democracy needs the party to be fighting fit and move beyond internecine brawling, factionalism and living in the past. The cause has not been helped by Stockdale's foot in mouth. He is a case study of the people put in charge of the Liberals who have brought the party to its current parlous state.
