Five-year-olds in Victorian schools are now taught that their body parts may not match their gender. Premier Jacinta Allan has blasted one mother’s concerns over the curriculum as “disgraceful nonsense.” But what she left unsaid should alarm every parent.
The program is called Respectful Relationships. It now includes lessons telling prep students that “some people didn’t get a good match for their body parts.” And real case studies that normalise a boy joining a girls’ team — at age 5.
When asked about concerns over a “school-to-clinic pipeline,” Premier Jacinta Allan called it “disgraceful nonsense.” Her defence? That “trans kids” are “15 times more likely to kill themselves” — so the program must go on. But the data tells a different story.
Parents and psychiatrists are warning of a school-to-clinic pipeline:
- A child expresses confusion at school.
- Teachers affirm the new identity, often without parental consent.
- By 18, that child is fast-tracked to hormones.
- And the pattern keeps repeating.
In the UK, an independent review by Dr Hilary Cass found the evidence for puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones in children was “remarkably weak.” Many countries are backing away. Victoria isn’t just staying the course — it’s doubling down.
Psychiatrist Dr Jillian Spencer warns early transgender teaching plants confusion before kids even understand their own bodies. And once that seed is planted, the next steps can be irreversible.
The risks of medical intervention aren’t abstract:
- Infertility
- Loss of sexual function
- Lifelong health issues
- Regret
Yet children are being put on this track before they’ve lost their baby teeth.
Psychiatrist Dr Andrew Amos (@AusPsychReview) says there is “no evidence” Vic’s gender-affirming model reduces suicide risk in kids. In fact, it may increase risk by masking underlying mental health conditions. And the moment you raise this concern, you’re accused of harm.
One lesson tells students “Stacey” is a girl because she says so and that questioning her place on the girls’ team is wrong.
Dr Amos calls this,
“prioritising boys’ rights over girls’ safety.”
The implications go far beyond school sport.
We’re talking bathrooms, change rooms, even rape crisis centres. The places meant to protect the vulnerable are being opened to anyone who claims entry — no questions allowed.
Libertarian MP @_davidlimbrick says parents have told him their families were torn apart by this ideology. Children are socially transitioned in secret at school. By 18, they’re prescribed cross-sex hormones within weeks. And parents only learn the truth when it’s too late.
When government teaches children that their parents might be wrong about who they are, it doesn’t just weaken authority — it drives a wedge straight through the family. And that fracture doesn’t heal easily.
If a program tells a five-year-old their body might be “wrong” we need to ask whether that’s education… or something else entirely.
If you believe parents should have the final say and to educate yourself further on the horrendous programs that have crept into our education system visit protectingchildren.com.au
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Add your comments below...
Kurt Mahlburg has studied architecture and theology among other interests of philosophy, history, surf, the outdoors and travel. He spent several years in Indonesia and has worked as a young adults pastor. He is now a teacher, a freelance writer, the Features Editor of the Canberra Declaration and contributes regularly at Caldron Pool & other online publications. He hosts his own blog 'Cross + Culture' at KurtMahlburg.blog. Follow Kurt on 𝕏.
Check out Kurt Mahlburg’s new book Cross and Culture: Can Jesus Save the West?
