Victorian Education Minister James Merlino says it would cost the government up to $300,000 to retain the Safe Schools program in Victoria, after refusing to enforce controversial changes to the anti-bullying program announced by federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham.

Mr Birmingham recently announced that he would ban the program from primary schools, allow parents to have their children opt out, and remove links to third-party groups.

Victorian Education Minister James Merlino. Credit:MODFORM

Mr Birmingham's announcement on Friday came days after a review by University of Western Australia emeritus professor Bill Louden found the program, which receives $2 million in federal government funding, was age-appropriate and educationally sound.

The review was ordered by the federal government, in response to pressure from the party's conservative wing, led by Cory Bernardi and George Christensen.