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VMHPAA welcomes national steps toward a stronger anti-bullying strategy for schools

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

15 October 2025


VMHPAA welcomes national steps toward a stronger anti-bullying strategy for schools
VMHPAA welcomes national steps toward a stronger anti-bullying strategy for schools

The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is heartened by the Federal Government’s progress toward a national anti-bullying strategy for schools, including proposals for consistent standards across jurisdictions, faster school responses, and better support for students, families, and educators. Recent reporting indicates ministers are moving on measures such as clear response timeframes, teacher training, and nationally consistent guidance informed by the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review. 


“Today’s steps recognise what families, teachers and practitioners have been saying for years: bullying is a public health issue that requires clear standards, timely action, and trauma-informed support,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA. “We welcome a national approach that sets expectations for every school - identify the harm quickly, respond within a set timeframe, communicate with families, and follow up to ensure the plan worked.” 

Susan Sandy, Secretary of VMHPAA and an experienced relationship counsellor, added: “Consistency matters. When a child is bullied, their safety shouldn’t depend on their postcode or the school gate. A national standard built with student, parent, and frontline input can help every school act early, de-escalate conflict, and rebuild connection.”


VMHPAA’s priorities to embed in the national approach


  • Clear, time-bound response protocols for all reported incidents (e.g., acknowledge, assess, act, and review within defined windows), with transparent communication to families. (Recent coverage has signalled movement toward 48-hour response expectations.)

  • Trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate supports for both targeted students and those using bullying behaviours, including counselling, restorative options, and supervised reintegration where safe.

  • Whole-school prevention that addresses online harms (including “phoenixing” fake accounts), equips students as “upstanders,” and aligns with eSafety guidance.

  • Data, accountability and follow-through: consistent definitions, incident logging, and outcome tracking to learn what works and to close gaps across states and sectors.

  • Partnership with vocational and lived-experience practitioners to deliver early intervention, reflective supervision for school staff, and family support.


VMHPAA notes the rising distress linked to bullying, both online and in person, and supports coordinated national action to reduce harm and improve recovery.


If you or someone you know needs support:


Lifeline 13 11 14 · Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 · Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. ABC


Media Contact:

Shane Warren, Chair

Susan Sandy, Secretary

Philip Armstrong, CEO

VMHPAA



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