NSW Schools Will Have Access To Specialised Anti-Extremism Teams From 2016

In a statement, Premier Mike Baird announced schools which had been pre-identified as possible incubators for radicalisation would be working with specialist support teams from the start of the 2016 school year. 

The teams are a $15M part of a larger $47M raft of measures designed to combat extremism; Baird said community leaders will also be consulted to combat the “cynical manipulators who exploit vulnerable young people and children to commit acts of terror”.

School staff and counselors are set to undergo specific training to address the issue of extremism, but outside of the schoolground, the release also outlines an $8M funding boost to “community resilience programs” with the goal of “social cohesion and cultural harmony.” A telephone hotline will also be established, offering advice to those who are concerned about the possible radicalisation of family and friends. 

Baird said the plans are an “important step in our response to violent extremism.”

People have voiced their concern on social media, bringing the efficacy and ethics of the measures under scrutiny.

@Cramdaline @abcnews This story is the greatest load of crap I’ve ever heard of $47 million wasted. https://t.co/pDYpp0Sn8c Obey our Laws.

— ILoveAus2 (@ILoveAus2) November 2, 2015

Teachers & counsellors are not police. Not qualified to identify who may or may not be ‘radicalised’ #auspol https://t.co/0PAgr7OSfn

— @LMoinsey (@LMoinsey) November 2, 2015

This is fine if it doesn’t come with marginalisation & is coupled with spending on harmony & multicultural education https://t.co/fGeS1lexUe

— R Peanut (@RegisteredPNut) November 2, 2015