AGP Executive Report

School Safety in WA: Violent threats drove 1,100+ lockdowns at Western Australian public schools in 2025, with classroom sheltering more than doubling since 2017, according to education department figures tabled in Parliament. Period Poverty in the ACT: The ACT is rolling out free period product dispensers across every public school after a pilot, with pads and tampons available depending on school type under the Period Products and Facilities (Access) Act 2023. International Education Politics: One Nation leader Pauline Hanson again targets the international education sector, saying universities are using student visas as a “back door” and calling for major cuts, while refusing to name a number. Student Protests & Safety: Senator Sarah Henderson urges police to investigate alleged threats to kill Hanson linked to student protests, and calls for schools and teachers involved to be examined. Community Arts & Learning: Hands On Studio marks 30 years, with an artist hoping a portrait of Julia Gillard will hang in Parliament House. STEM & Skills Exchange: Kookmin University’s Solar Car Team held a technical exchange with Hyundai staff as it prepares for the 2027 World Solar Challenge in Australia.

Student Visas: Australia has published the full 2026 document checklist for the Student visa (Subclass 500), including proof of identity, Confirmation of Enrolment, Overseas Student Health Cover, finances, English ability, and extra welfare/consent/school enrolment requirements for under-18s. Indigenous Education & Recognition: NAIDOC awards in Alice Springs highlighted major wins for First Nations leaders across culture and education, including Murri School taking out the education award and the posthumous lifetime achievement honour for cultural figure Rhoda Roberts. University & Learning Links: La Trobe University honoured Bollywood star Rani Mukerji with an Honorary Doctor of Letters, spotlighting the role of universities in global arts and education connections. Science & Health (Australia-linked): Researchers from Kids Research Institute Australia, Curtin and ANU report long-term blood chemistry shifts that track rising atmospheric CO2, raising concerns for children and teens. Safety & Schools: A South Australian school warned families after a contractor was charged over an alleged child-sex offence involving a student.

University Policy Clampdown: The Albanese Labor government is tightening war-related controls over universities, ordering closures of China-linked programs at ANU and UQ and pushing new laws to let ASIO investigate universities secretly. Education Integrity Probe: WA police have charged a 26-year-old man after Katanning incident-linked fraud allegations, including falsified university records used to gain hospital employment and university admissions. Research Rankings: The University of Melbourne remains Australia’s top research university, holding the ARWU #37 global spot. School Sector Scrutiny: A NSW parliamentary inquiry heard concerns about Redeemer Baptist School finances, including claims of odd grant-linked arrangements and alleged abuse. Student Wellbeing & Career Readiness: New research for UNSW College finds many workers doubt education prepared them for change, with Gen Z most likely to expect a “Plan B.” Animal & Learning Community: School of the Air marks 70 years with a cookbook celebrating remote learning families and bush life.

Social Media & Kids: France’s top constitutional watchdog has struck down President Macron’s under-15 social media ban, saying the rules weren’t clear enough on age checks and safeguards for privacy and minors’ health. Equity & Work: Australia marks Equal Pay Day as the gender pay gap hits a record-low, with progress linked to pay rises in minimum wage, early childhood education and aged care, plus super on paid parental leave. Education & Wellbeing: New research on friendships and family ties links strong social connections with better mental and physical wellbeing, reinforcing the role of relationships in health planning. Digital Safety & Teens: Meta says it removed about 756,000 Australian teen accounts under the under-16 social media ban, as enforcement pressure grows. Learning & Opportunity: Novotel and WWF-Australia expand a partnership to protect whale migration “Blue Corridors,” supporting ocean conservation research and advocacy. Sports & Youth Talent: Australian golfer Jessica Bang, 18, has died in Thailand after collapsing and undergoing emergency brain surgery, prompting tributes across the golf community.

Higher Education Governance: ANU’s interim vice-chancellor Rebekah Brown says the university is trying to “turn the page” after years of controversy, as it moves toward naming a replacement for Julie Bishop and rebuilds trust amid leadership vacancies. Education Integrity Probe: Catholic Schools NSW boss Dallas McInerney faces scrutiny at an ICAC corruption hearing over payments linked to consultancy Beckington and alleged “auditable paper trail” issues. Student Protest Politics: One Nation is calling for SA schools investigations after thousands of students walked out to protest Pauline Hanson, with claims the education system has been “hijacked” by a radical agenda. Youth Wellbeing & Learning: A new study across 22 countries, including Australia, links strong friendships and family ties with better mental and physical health, pushing policymakers to treat social connection as part of health planning. Social Media Rules: Young people in Scotland urge a rethink of plans to ban under-16s online, citing Australia’s experience and concerns about pushing teens into riskier spaces. Regional Pathways: La Trobe University highlights a nursing-to-medicine pathway at its Albury-Wodonga Open Day, showing work-integrated learning and local career options.

Student Protests (Anti-Hanson): Thousands of students across Australia skipped class to rally against Pauline Hanson and One Nation, with organisers urging young people to use their voices even if politicians told them to stay in school. Social Media & Youth Safety: Meta removed about 756,000 Australian under-16 accounts as enforcement of a social media ban looms, adding pressure on schools and parents to manage online risk. AI in Education: NSW is pushing for major AI changes in schools, while broader debate continues over whether assessment rules should be tightened to curb AI influence. Learning & Support: The education ministry released a new video aimed at helping educators better support students with disabilities, alongside calls for a “new student well-being horizon” for the school year. Higher Ed & Pathways: A UC merger pitch is back on the table as universities and vocational providers look for new ways to expand access. Digital Parenting Campaign: Ireland’s data watchdog spent €615k on a “Pause Before You Post” campaign warning parents about “sharenting” risks—an online-safety lesson that resonates for Australian families too.

Closing Loopholes/Wage Theft: A Senate report flags wage and super underpayments draining billions, with education and training the biggest offender ($68.8m recovered by the Fair Work Ombudsman), and notes the lack of criminal prosecutions may point to enforcement or law-design gaps. Teen Online Safety: Meta says it has removed 750,000+ suspected Australian under-16 accounts since the social media ban, as regulators consider enforcement action. STEM Pathways for First Nations: Baidam and RMIT launch a STEM scholarship to move Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from RMIT vocational diplomas into full-time undergraduate study in cyber security, computer science and related fields. School Protest Climate: High school and university students across Australia stage walkouts against One Nation, while Pauline Hanson argues the focus should be cost-of-living. Energy in Apartments: A Victorian inquiry backs building-integrated solar glazing and other BIPV options for apartments, citing evidence that rooftop solar is harder in high-rises. Health Workforce Planning: Allied Health Professions Australia renews calls for a national allied health workforce strategy after the release of Australia’s first national nursing workforce strategy.

Early Childhood Pay Rise: Government moves to lock in a 15% pay rise for early educators, a major cost-of-living and workforce retention signal for Australia’s education sector. AI in Education Leadership: Higher education leaders are being pushed to move from experience to “evidence” as visa volatility and AI add new decision pressure points for universities. Student Voice Push: University of Sydney student services argue “student voice” networks must be genuinely heard, not just tokenised, as debates intensify around who gets platformed. School Safety & Online Use: Education ministers worry about technology use in schools, while broader youth concerns keep surfacing about how young people are heard and protected. Census & School Community Impact: With the 2026 Census underway and fines looming, schools and families face extra admin pressure—especially in multicultural communities. Community Learning & Research: Charles Sturt University research highlights ancient disease transmission findings, underscoring Australia’s ongoing education-and-research strengths.

Indigenous Education & Community: Lakkari Pitt named Forbes’ Indigenous Person of the Year, with her work including murals at Forbes High School and projects created with students at local schools. Student Activism & Curriculum: Victorian “rebel” teachers and union-linked candidates back protests urging students to walk out over One Nation-related curriculum changes, while Education Minister Jason Clare warns students to stay in class. Teacher Workforce & Pay: Legislation introduced to lock in a 15% pay rise for early educators, alongside broader debate about technology use and learning gaps. Regional Learning Support: Grants via CEF Coleambally-Darlington Point offer $1,000+ to 16–25-year-olds for study costs, with applications closing Oct 31. International Education Pathways: Monash University partners with Ho Chi Minh City Open University to establish a Master of Teaching TESOL for Vietnamese students. Special Education Exchange: Rotary-backed program brings Malaysian special education teachers to Australia, with seminars and school visits planned to share teaching practice. School Culture & Safety: ACT moves to roll out free period product dispensers across public schools, while concerns continue around student wellbeing and online risks.

NAPLAN Update: ACARA’s 2026 NAPLAN results show mixed progress, with national numeracy improving for years 5, 7 and 9, but year 3 numeracy flat at its lowest since 2023; reading scores in years 5, 7 and 9 dipped versus 2025, and a technical issue affected the first day of testing for some schools. STEM Inclusion Spotlight: The National Youth Science Forum’s Year 12 program is a finalist in the 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for STEM Inclusion, with student Sophie Bussell backing the nomination after being supported to participate despite illness. Early Childhood Leadership: QUT has launched a new institute aimed at strengthening leadership across Queensland’s early childhood sector. Policy & Schools: NSW is considering banning take-home assessments to curb AI influence, while Victoria’s teachers’ union push and broader debate over assessment quality continue to heat up. Census Context: Australia’s 2026 Census is driving ongoing discussion about how religion and identity are captured, including renewed public scrutiny of the religion question.

Workplace Safety & Bullying: A Fair Work Commission ruling in Heidel v University of Notre Dame Australia says reasonable performance management isn’t bullying, but unmanaged performance can still create psychosocial harm for workers and teams. Regulation & School Governance: Redeemer Baptist School’s “volunteer” staffing model is under investigation by NSW Education Standards Authority, with the matter also referred to the federal Education Department and the ACNC. Online Safety & Youth: Australia’s counter-terrorism chief says extremist diversion efforts are expanding beyond social media into online gaming, with talks involving Roblox. Census & Identity: Australia’s 2026 Census will include optional questions on gender identity and sexual orientation for people aged 16+, aiming to better count LGBTQ+ communities. Education & Wellbeing Research: A QUT-led program is set to strengthen leadership across Queensland’s early childhood sector, while Griffith University and Victoria Police trial a systems-focused approach to reduce psychosocial hazards. STEM & Learning Pathways: Papua New Guinea’s STEM scholarship program has supported 470 students overseas since 2023, including study in Australia. Design & Learning: New research reframes post-war Australian architecture as shaped by deeper, long-running encounters with Asia, with implications for how education tells the story of modern Australia.

School Assessment Crackdown: NSW moves to end take-home work over AI detection failure, adding pressure on how schools assess learning. Online Safety & Privacy: Australian govt funds the eSmart Kids online safety programme, while University of Sydney research warns smart glasses can be used for covert filming and harassment in everyday places. Higher Education & Skills: Census 2026 planning ramps up with resources for households and industry groups urging people to complete the survey, as results are set to shape education and skills decisions. Religious Education & Training: Australian imams call for home-grown training amid a reported surge in Islamophobia, pushing for an Islamic institute to train leaders in Australia. Student Wellbeing & Health: New research finds childhood-onset lupus stays more active into adulthood, and another study links reduced vigorous exercise with higher cancer risk. Youth Protection Online: A major UK case targets a teen predator who groomed victims into self-harm via online platforms, highlighting ongoing risks for young people.

AI in Schools: NSW Education Minister Prue Car has ordered a review into AI use in schools and is considering a moratorium on unsupervised take-home assessments, warning that AI could undermine learning and the integrity of the HSC. Teacher Pay & Industrial Action: Victoria’s new education minister has offered a $2,000 sign-on bonus for teachers and education support staff to help head off planned school strikes, alongside pay rises and a push to cut meeting times. School Assessment Integrity: The NSW review also asks the education standards authority to identify inappropriate AI use patterns across schools while safeguards are developed. Census Scam Alert: Australians are being warned about census impersonation scams, with the ABS and census contact centre stressing the census won’t ask for financial details or remote computer access. Libraries & Learning Access: NSW’s Shoalhaven libraries are promoting membership as a free gateway to study spaces, tech help, and education resources—positioning libraries as a low-cost support for families. Student Safety & Abuse Claims: A NSW parliamentary inquiry heard allegations of coercive control and abuse at Redeemer Baptist School, alongside claims the school used government funding and fees to build a large property portfolio.

Childcare Accountability: Affinity Education (Milestones, Papilio, Kids Academy and more) faces fresh scrutiny after a NSW centre was found rodent-infested and affected by black mould, with claims it failed to notify regulators. Student Support & Equity: Deakin University student Anna Dang is determined to become Australia’s first blind doctor, using AI tools to study anatomy and aiming to break barriers in medicine. Homelessness Risk: StreetSmart reports women aged 55–59 are among the fastest-growing groups at risk of homelessness, with domestic and family violence a key driver. WFH Rights: A Melbourne tribunal upheld an employer’s refusal of a father’s bid for permanent remote work, despite caring responsibilities, reinforcing office attendance expectations. Health & Learning Environments: New research links access to green spaces—like home gardens and nearby parks—with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, adding weight to public health-focused urban planning.

International Student Policy Shock: Monash University expert Andrew Norton says almost 30% of Australia’s temporary graduate visas are held by secondary applicants who never studied here, with 73,900 visas going to spouses/dependents—fueling fresh pressure on migration settings. Student Wellbeing & Safety: A new push highlights misogyny and sexism in schools, with teachers and students warning online “manosphere” ideas are putting classrooms at risk. Learning on the Move: Queensland’s travelling show industry is keeping kids in class via the National School for Travelling Show Children, an expandable classroom that follows the show circuit. Equity in Access: Fiji’s Tui Lau Ratu Tevita is calling for visa-free travel to Australia and earlier access to domestic university fees for Fijians under the Vuvale Union. Privacy in Tech: Smart glasses are raising alarms as Australia reviews whether current privacy laws can handle wearable camera tech. Education & Community: WA’s Katanning memorial fight continues after a former boarding hostel linked to paedophile Dennis McKenna—victim advocates say recognition is still lacking.

Online Hate Watch: A federal inquiry is probing what drives racism, hate and violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with new research analysing more than three million posts across platforms to map anti-First Nations abuse patterns in workplaces, schools and public life. Intersex Rights & Law: A personal account argues Australia’s birth registration and medical decision-making timelines force doctors to choose too early, leading to irreversible surgeries, and calls for stronger legal protection for intersex people. School & Student Privacy: Reports highlight concerns about surveillance-style tech and school-related monitoring culture, including fresh scrutiny around a Sydney school linked to Opus Dei and claims of “Big Brother” monitoring of students. Student Support & Access: Separate coverage points to ongoing pressure on families and education costs, including how childcare and education spending can hit households hard. International Education Links: Australia–Fiji education and visa reciprocity is back in focus as leaders urge easier entry and lower university fees for Fijian students. Health & Learning Environment: Wildfire smoke and heat are flagged as major risks to children’s mental health and wellbeing, reinforcing calls for safer school conditions during extreme weather.