They are defining issues for Australia’s identity now and in the future? They are areas all young Australians have the right to understand? They should all be meaningfully embedded in our education system?
Not according to the Federal opposition. In the media last week, Liberal Senator Brett Mason labeled the emphasis on these three areas in the new National Curriculum as ‘ideological sentimentality’ and political correctness. These suggestive, but essentially hollow accusations warrant examination.
The term ‘politically correct’ is conveniently vague, and is being bandied about by some of our politicians more and more. Above all, it is meant to dismiss ideas and policies as unnecessary. Unnecessary is not a word that normally springs to mind when thinking about sustainability education.
Climate change is a challenge of epic proportions, but it is also an enormous opportunity. With the right skills, knowledge and passion, our generation can lead a transition to a society that is more just and sustainable than ever before. We can be the generation that sees Australia realise its economic, political, and social potential.
But to do this we need support from our schooling system. Every Australian student has the right to an education that imparts the skills they need to understand challenges and opportunities shaping their present, and future, lives. That’s why late last year the AYCC launched a campaign to ensure sustainability was embedded in the Rudd government’s new National Curriculum.
Early this year, the AYCC had a big win in the curriculum campaign. After presenting them with the signatures and messages of thousands of AYCC members and supporters, the board responsible for the new curriculum agreed to incorporate sustainability, along with Asian and indigenous perspectives, in all subject areas. There is still more work to be done, but it is an exciting start.
As an organisation run by people currently in school or recently graduated, the AYCC understands better than anyone that the integration of sustainability in our education system is absolutely essential. Unfortunately the Federal opposition seems to be, to use the politically correct term, ‘argument-challenged.’
– Lucy Manne is an Arts student and AYCC media volunteer
