Academics and teachers have slammed an Opposition plan to teach Victorian students Australian values and the principles of Western enlightenment as ‘‘shallow and absurd’’.

Monash University education expert David Zyngier said schools already taught students about the Australian values of fairness, respect and equality.

‘‘It is implicit in what we do,’’ he said.

Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy wants to overhaul the state curriculum. Credit:AAP

He also criticised the Coalition’s plans to scrap Victoria’s cross-curriculum priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia, and sustainability.