Thursday, 3 April 2025

 Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (17:50): (1580) My question tonight is for the Minister for Education, and I will unfold the action that I am seeking. Minister, Homeschool Academy Australia, HSA, determines as its primary focus the provision of essential learning and online support services, particularly for vulnerable children and young people who may be at risk or are struggling with the current education system and schools. The question remains then why the VRQA, Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, was able to inform clients and families that it was acting as an illegal and unregistered school when it has been fully compliant with the relevant provisions of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 and has been formally approved by the VRQA.

The action that I am seeking, Minister, is for you to step in to restore the reputation of this small business and education service that provides a wonderful opportunity for learning for many people not just in the south-east but throughout Victoria. This business is actually run by a single mother who herself required this particular service for her own son during COVID lockdowns. This has put her into a situation where she is under tremendous pressure.

The HSA is a respectful organisation. It that has been requesting that the VRQA publicly acknowledge and correct this error as their actions have unjustly impacted it and the broader homeschooling community. The allegations are that it was illegally operating, has damaged its long-standing reputation and has instilled fear in both previous families and new homeschooling families in Victoria, resulting in a loss of over half of its business. Many of them are feeling that they cannot return until they know that this government is actually approving of it and understands that Homeschool Academy Australia is not a school.

There are so many families that are resorting to homeschooling – it is very interesting to look at the printout. There are more families right now accessing homeschooling in Victoria than ever before. It has risen to 7716 families. There are also over 11,000 students who are currently being homeschooled, which is only a fraction lower than what it was at the end of COVID lockdowns. Minister, I have met with the owner of this particular business. This particular business has been operating and has not been considered a school. It does not offer all eight learning areas. It does provide support to many families in the area. They are longing to return, and they just need to know that it is endorsed, that it is compliant and that the VRQA has backed off.