All three South Australian education sectors – Public, Independent and Catholic – will take significant steps towards a more inclusive education system in South Australia.

The reforms are set to deliver on the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

In 2023, the Disability Royal Commission made 222 recommendations on how to improve laws, policies, structures and practices to ensure a more inclusive society that supports the independence of people with disability. Of those, 15 recommendations related to the Education system.

On 5 December 2024, the State Government, alongside Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) and the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA) jointly announced they will implement recommendations that seek to drive significant system change to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes, prevent discrimination and exclusion, and ensure a more inclusive education for students with disability.

The agreed actions across sectors include providing annual de-identified data to the Minister for Education covering enrolment refusal or cancellation for students with disability, and consistent information about the grounds, length and use of suspensions, exclusions and expulsions.

A commitment to the consistent use of suspensions, exclusions and expulsions of students with disability, in line with existing provisions and factoring in contractual requirements of non-government schools, is also included.

A review will also be undertaken of the Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Act 2026, including a greater focus on appropriate inclusive education practices as outlined in the Standards and ensuring adequate ability to investigate and address complaints.

The work announced will also include provision of clear, accessible, transparent information for students with disability and their families – focusing on their rights, the legal obligations of schools relating to enrolment and review processes, and in relation to access to supports for students.

As a result of the agreement, amendments are expected to the Education and Children’s Services Act 2019, with a working group formed with representatives from the Department for Education, CESA and AISSA to work through the drafting process and implementation details.

Engagement will also be undertaken with peak bodies and disability advocacy groups about the proposed changes.

Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA) Chief Executive Anne Dunstan said, throughout all cross-sectoral discussions on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability as they pertain to education, we have maintained a central focus on the fundamental human rights of all children and students with disability.

“Independent schools in South Australia educate in excess of 54,000 students, of whom nearly 13,000 have an identified disability”.

“We seek, through our collaborative cross-sectoral work, to continue to provide advice and support to AISSA member schools to work in partnership with families and communities so that children and young people with disability can have the best start in life”, Dunstan said.

Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) Executive Director Dr Neil McGoran said, within Catholic Education, diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our mission.

“The launch of our own Students with Disability Strategy in 2022 marked a significant step forward in eliminating barriers, fostering equity, and enhancing learning, wellbeing, and inclusion for students with disability across all Catholic schools and centres”.

“Led by the State Government, this commitment to bring the three schooling sectors together to implement the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission is welcomed by Catholic Education”.

“It will enhance the work of our existing strategy and bring consistency of practice across all schools in South Australia for the benefit of students and the community”.

“Together with our school communities and families, we remain deeply committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment that empowers every student to thrive”, said Dr McGoran.