The Holt Liberal government has unveiled a new version of Policy 713, restoring the right of all students to choose their own names and pronouns to informally reflect their sexual orientation or gender identity at school.
Parental consent is “encouraged,” but no longer required, when a student of any age wants their chosen names and pronouns used informally at school, says the document, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.
That consent by parents is still required for formal use of names and pronouns, such as in official school records, by students under the age of 16.
The change amounts to restoring the main thrust of the original Policy 713, but with more encouragement of parental involvement when it does not pose a risk to the student.
“Students are not required to make their parents aware that they wish to informally change their first names or pronouns at school,” Education Minister …