Mark Speakman
Leader of the Opposition
Eleni Petinos
Member for Miranda
Children as young as 12 in Year 6 at Illawong Public School were subjected to a graphic and highly inappropriate discussion led by a senior staff member, which included references to anal sex and an adult streaming website.
Parents are understandably upset and demanding answers after discovering the content of the discussion, which has no place in any school environment.
The incident occurred following a program on sexual health called "Amazing Me," which had received parental consent. However, the unapproved follow-up discussion went far beyond any reasonable boundaries.
Students were asked to write questions anonymously, and these questions were read aloud and answered in a way which led to discussions about an adult streaming website and sex acts.
The Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said parents trusted Illawong Public School to provide a safe and age-appropriate education for their children.
"Instead, they were exposed to a discussion relating to pornography and explicit sexual acts. This isn't education—this is recklessness," Mr Speakman said.
Member for Miranda Eleni Petinos, who raised the matter in Parliament on Friday, said parents are furious—and they have every right to be. This isn't just inappropriate; it's indefensible.
"Instead of stepping up and facing these parents the Minister for Education Prue Car has gone silent. Where is her leadership? Where is her accountability? These families deserve answers, not excuses. The Minister for Education hasn't even contacted me as the local member—her absence in this matter speaks volumes," Ms Petinos said.
The Opposition is demanding immediate action from the Education Minister, including:
- A truly independent and transparent investigation, with no conflicts of interest, to uncover how this was allowed to happen.
- An apology and direct engagement with Illawong families to rebuild trust and demonstrate accountability.
- An assurance from the Minister that these classroom discussions are not occurring elsewhere in NSW and what measures will be taken to prevent this from happening again
An inappropriate discussion is concerning enough, but it is even more troubling when the government's response leaves parents feeling ignored and unsupported.
