Schools get funding boost for consent education

The federal government has outlined $77.6 million that will be given to public and non-government schools for age-appropriate and evidence-based lessons on consent.

NSW will receive the bulk of the funding, with more than $25 million set aside for the state over five years.

Victoria will get $18.3 million to deliver the consent classes, followed by $14.3 million for Queensland, $8.9 million for Western Australia and $5.7 million for South Australian schools.

Tasmania will get $2 million for the program, while the ACT and the Northern Territory will get more than $1 million each.

Education Minister Jason Clare said the programs would help to foster positive attitudes towards consent from an early age.

"One in five women and one in 16 men in Australia have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. Sexual violence is a national shame," he said.

"A range of approaches are needed, and there is a role to play in the classroom to make sure that young people develop healthy relationships.

"This investment is important in making sure we help our youngest Australians, in particular boys and men, to have healthy, respectful relationships."

The funding for will help deliver the consent education, as well as develop partnerships between schools and organisations in the field and provide professional development for teachers.

The first round of yearly funding was rolled out from June.

It comes as the federal government rolled out a year-long, national consent campaign in May, aimed at clearing up lingering confusion about the issue.

The $40 million campaign is aimed at encouraging adults to check their own understanding about consent before they discuss it with each other and young people.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

Australian Associated Press