3 February 2026
Jo Palmer, Minister for Education
Strong action is being implemented in schools to prevent and respond to violence.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, released the Violence in Schools – Keeping Staff Safe 2026-28 Action Plan, which has been developed following consultation with school staff and unions.
“Violence has no place anywhere in our community, especially in our schools,” Minister Palmer said.
“Everyone should be safe at work, with this Action Plan focussing on prevention and early intervention measures to protect school staff from violent behaviour.
“We continue to listen to school staff, and their feedback has directly shaped this work.
“The Action Plan outlines work being done right now, while also laying the foundation for sustained improvement into the future.”
The Action Plan focuses on five key priority areas to better protect staff safety and wellbeing:
- Target effort in those schools where it is needed most
- Improve flexible learning options for students who struggle in traditional classrooms
- Increase training and support for staff in violence prevention and response
- Improve systems and data to collect information that will give a greater understanding of the issues
- Strengthen system support and policy responses to violence in schools
Key actions include establishing Learning and Support Hubs in two primary schools for students with complex needs, creating professional learning networks to support staff safety and wellbeing in around 20 schools, targeted training in safe intervention, and workshops for colleges focused on flexible learning options.
The Action Plan supports the Department of Education’s Safe and Well at Work Strategy 2025–2030, which aims to improve safety and wellbeing for all employees.
To view the Plan, visit the Department for Education, Children and Young People’s website.