The Finocchiaro CLP Government today launched the 'Respect and Responsibility in Schools' framework, following a significant increase in assaults on students in schools.The number of assaults on students doubled for Term 1 this year compared to the same period in 2025.Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, said there is zero tolerance for any form of violence across the education network.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is taking action to support and protect students and teachers in response to a sharp increase in assaults at schools in Term 1 2026.
Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, today launched the 'Respect and Responsibility in Schools' framework, and a public awareness campaign to ensure students, families and the broader community understand behavioural expectations.
The total number of assaults on students in Term 1 2025 was 32, this has increased to 52 in Term 1 of 2026.
The framework centres on four key expectation pillars:
Safety and WellbeingRespectResponsibilityPartnership
Previously, behavioural expectations were set through a code of conduct and the Family Engagement Charter. The 'Respect and Responsibility Framework' consolidates these ensuring a consistent standard is fully enforced.
Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, said every child deserved to be safe on school grounds.
"This is about clear guidelines and zero tolerance for violence and aggression in the school system," Minister Hersey said.
"It is time to bring back some personal responsibility for students; poor behaviour will have consequences.
"Since coming to Government, we've been successful in getting disengaged children back to school, and off Labor's secret list of school non-attenders, but what we're seeing now is that transition as those students come back into the school system.
"Every child no matter where they live has a right to education and to be safe at school.
"It's important that we set clear standards, reinforce positive behaviour for these students, and teach them respect in schools as unfortunately, many of them aren't taught it at home.
"Education and Training opportunities are key to the CLP Government's plan towards addressing the root causes of crime, and we're not going to give up on these kids like the former Labor Government did when it got all too hard."
As part of the reporting of incidents, Minister Hersey has requested the Department of Education and Training include incidents of assault that occurred outside school grounds while students are still in school uniform, such as those seen at bus interchanges and shopping centres.
