It was my pleasure to welcome the internationally acclaimed
health educator Professor Donna Cross on her tour of Tasmania today.
Education is at the heart of this Liberal Government; having the likes of Professor
Cross working with Tasmanian principals, teachers, parents and school
communities is just one of many ways we're working to ensure the best possible
outcomes for Tasmanian students.
Professor Cross's most recent work in the area of aggression and bullying,
including cyberbullying, amongst young people is a timely issue facing schools
across Australia.
These forums will help educators and parents to understand the research and how
they can better contribute to a safer, more respectful behaviour.
Professor Cross will conduct forums in Tasmania's South, North and North-West over
the next three days, and will be the guest lecturer at the University of
Tasmania's Launceston campus on Wednesday May, 21.
I also commend the work of the Department of Education Secretary Colin
Pettit for brining Prof. Cross to Tasmania to work with educators and the
broader community in this important area.
The forums will be held as follows:
Hobart: Tuesday 20th May 2014 5.30 – 7.00pm at
the Derwent Entertainment Centre
Launceston: Wednesday 21st May 2014 5.30 – 7.00pm
at the Albert Hall
Burnie: Thursday 22nd May 2014 5.30 – 7.00pm at
the Burnie Arts and Function Centre
The Department of Education Secretary Colin Pettit said Professor Cross's award
winning research had broader implications.
"The issue of bullying affects our whole community and is
everyone's responsibility," Mr Pettit said.
"Tasmanian schools and organisations have excellent strategies in place to
address bullying and support positive behaviour, however education among the
wider community is the key to promoting more respectful behaviour."
Background: Professor Donna Cross is a Winthrop Professor with the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Western Australia and the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.
Professor Cross's widely recognised research aims to improve children's and adolescents' health and wellbeing by reducing bullying, negative online behaviours, road injuries and drug use behaviours.
In 2012 Prof. Cross received the Future Justice Prize and was named the Ambassador for Children and Young People, and the WA Australian of the Year.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Education and Training