Every parent has faced the dilemma - whether to speak up for their child or stay silent to keep the peace. For some of us, it is a choice that feels impossible. Advocate for our child’s basic rights and suddenly we are labelled the "difficult parent," cast out of classrooms and schools. But staying silent? That feels like betrayal - of our children and ourselves. This is not just about children with disabilities; it is about every child. So, when the system pushes back, should we pick our battles or fight for what is right? For me, the answer is clear—but the cost is one I carry every day.

Are Australian schools truly fostering safe and inclusive environments for all students and staff? With little transparency and inconsistent accountability, parents and teachers are often left in the dark. It's time for change. An Educational Ombudsman would provide the oversight needed, ensuring schools are audited regularly, held accountable the law and creating environments where students, teachers and staff thrive. Imagine a system where parents can make informed decisions about their child's school—not through trial and error, but with publicly available data that shows whether schools are meeting their legal and ethical obligations. Let’s advocate for transparency, accountability, and a school system that works for everyone.

When our son's school cancelled his enrolment, we thought the law would protect us. Instead, we hit a brick wall. The Human Rights Commission couldn’t help—conciliation was ignored by the school, and our only other option was taking them to court, starting at $100,000. Worse, both federal and state education ministers claimed they weren’t responsible for non-government schools, leaving us with no one to hold the school accountable.

The Disability Standards of Education are supposed to safeguard our children’s rights, but without enforcement, they’re just empty promises.