Students are seen entering school grounds for their first day back of the year in Brisbane, Monday, February 7, 2022. Thousands of Queensland children have return to school on Monday amid uncertainty about vaccination, testing and classroom ventilation. (AAP Image/Russell Freeman) NO ARCHIVING
URGENT UPDATE: A Labor MP has sharply criticized the recently passed Education (General Provisions) Amendment Bill 2025, highlighting its failure to adopt inclusive language. The state government’s new education laws, designed to reduce regulatory burdens for teachers and principals by 25 percent, are already facing backlash for their terminology.
In a striking statement earlier today, Di Farmer, Labor’s shadow education spokeswoman, called attention to the bill’s use of “gendered” terms like “his” and “her.” Farmer emphasized that the legislation should have prioritized gender-neutral language, advocating for terms such as “child” or “young person” instead.
“This is not just about semantics,” Farmer stated. “It’s about creating an inclusive environment for all students. By failing to adopt gender-neutral language, we risk alienating young people who do not identify with traditional gender roles.”
The amendments, which aim to alleviate administrative tasks for educators, could significantly reshape the educational landscape. However, the arguments presented by Farmer raise critical concerns regarding inclusivity and representation in the state’s education system.
As the debate intensifies, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these criticisms. The situation is developing, and further discussions are expected in upcoming parliamentary sessions.
For now, the focus will be on how these changes impact schools and whether further amendments will be proposed to address the concerns raised by Labor officials. Observers urge all stakeholders to consider the implications of language on student identity and inclusion in educational settings.
As the dialogue continues, parents, educators, and policymakers are encouraged to weigh in on this pressing issue, as it affects the future of educational practices across the state.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical story.
