Proposed changes to Queensland’s education laws have been introduced to Parliament, aiming to improve support for students, families, teachers, and school staff.
The amendments include reforms to the suspension and disciplinary process, particularly for First Nations students, students with disability, and prep students. Parents and students will also gain appeal rights for short-term suspensions.
With homeschooling numbers nearly tripling since COVID, new requirements will ensure home education follows the Australian Curriculum and prioritises student wellbeing and safety.
Other key reforms include:
- Streamlining regulations for state-delivered kindergarten.
- Improving access to eKindy by expanding eligibility criteria.
- Enabling timely child safety information sharing between schools.
- Simplifying enrolment transfers for state special schools.
- Reducing red tape for Parents and Citizens Associations.
Education Minister Di Farmer said the changes would “better serve the interests of Queensland students and streamline school operations,” while stakeholders welcomed the reforms to home education, eKindy, and P&C Association support.
