Arabic version: الائتلاف يطرح إصلاحات تعليمية تتمحور حول القيم الغربية

According to ABC News, the Coalition has set out a proposed “root and branch” overhaul of Australia’s education system, centred on teaching Western values and building national pride. Shadow Education Minister Julian Leeser unveiled the plan in Sydney’s west, saying it would seek to restore academic excellence.

The proposal would remove Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture, Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia, and sustainability as cross-curricular priorities. Leeser said the subjects were important but should instead be taught as discrete, carefully planned topics within classes such as geography, history or science. He said students should learn about Indigenous heritage alongside Australia’s British foundation and multicultural character.

Under the Coalition’s curriculum plan, students would specifically learn about Western values and culture, including democracy, the rule of law, a fair go, constitutional monarchy and federation. Leeser also said students should be exposed to classical literature, art, music and philosophy that had shaped the country. The policy calls for the Australian flag to be flown in every school, with Leeser saying it could foster greater pride in its history and values.

The Coalition also proposed changes intended to address teacher shortages and classroom disruption. Leeser raised the prospect of teaching pathways for military veterans, linking the idea to classroom discipline and support for Australian values. A Coalition government would seek to return to a one-year teacher accreditation system and create a framework to help schools develop clear behavioural expectations for students. Leeser cited 2023 NSW Productivity Commission data stating that longer qualifications resulted in 9,000 teachers not entering the profession between 2015 and 2022.