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WA review into education could see taxpayer-funded self-defence classes for teachers

Jessica PageThe West Australian
VideoWith a rise in school violence cases, teachers may be required to attend self-defence classes.

Teachers across the State could be asked to attend self-defence classes as violence in schools continues to rise, and taxpayers could foot the bill.

Last year there were 756 ‘physical incidents’ against WA teachers, which works out to be more than three a day when school holidays are taken into account.

The suggestion of defence classes are being considered as part of a State Government review.

An extra 1.2 million dollars is being spent on training, giving teachers the skills to prevent violence and how to respond if they have to.

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A wholesale review will also consider whether teachers should be taught self-defence.

Some schools are already paying for self-defence classes and two schools have resorted to hiring security guards.

Education Minister Sue Ellery said she would not rule out self-defence classes for WA teachers
Camera IconEducation Minister Sue Ellery said she would not rule out self-defence classes for WA teachers Credit: Danella Bevis

But the teachers union argue they shouldn’t have to put themselves in harms way.

“That is not a path we want to follow, teachers are not bouncers, they are not policemen,” State School Teachers Union of WA spokeswoman Pat Byrne told 7 News Perth.

While Education Minister Sue Ellery would not confirm if self defence classes were on the agenda, she didn’t dismiss the idea.

“I’m not going to rule anything in or out,” she said.

“Teachers have an obligation, a duty of care to their students, but they also have an obligation to keep themselves safe.”

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