"The genesis of it was about breaking so-called heteronormativity, to put in gender confusion amongst students," he said. "Stuff in the resource guide says you shouldn’t say ‘boys and girls’ or ‘ladies and gentlemen’. That’s not just political correctness, that’s trying to do away with gender. Gender is a reality."



"I think there should be an anti-bullying strategy right across the board, including children that identify as gay or lesbian or any one that sort of spectrum ... where they’re questioning their sexuality or have gender identity issues. [I have] absolutely no problem with that," he said.

"But let’s look at all kids and let’s look at it from the point of view of stamping out bullying and resilience rather than some other agenda. I do think that safe schools comes from some other agenda."



A recent review conducted by two academics found the program is fundamentally sound and in line with the national curriculum.