28/11/2025
Would love your thoughts and opinions on this post!
I say ‘inclusion in its current form stinks’!!!!!
I would have given anything for my son to be able to go to a ‘special school’, or better yet a school that accommodated for and specialised in autism without intellectual disability, but the special schools wouldn’t accept him because he was too smart.
Our local special school has a pool, gym, cafe and so many other incredible programs my son would have loved, not to mention specialised teachers, none of which were available in mainstream schools. The bullying and lack of understanding of his needs have left him with lifelong mental health challenges that our mental health system can not manage, and now as the NDIS becomes harder and harder to navigate, he is running short on funding for the supports he so desperately needs via NDIS.
So what is the answer?
🚨 Queensland Kids Are Not a Problem to Lock Away
The Queensland Liberal Education MP John‑Paul Langbroek, is barreling ahead with six to seven new special schools across South East Queensland. They call it “parent choice.” We call it segregation disguised as policy.
Our children with disability are not a problem to be managed in isolation. They have a right to learn, play, and grow in their communities, and this government is trying to take that away.
⚖️ The Law Is on Our Side
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 is crystal clear:
Students cannot be expelled or denied enrolment because of disability.
Schools must provide reasonable adjustments so every child can participate.
Segregating or punishing students for disability-related behaviour is illegal.
The Nov 2025 Federal Court ruling stopped a Year 8 student with ADHD from being expelled. Justice Perram said:
“Exclusion is not an option, even if behaviour challenges the school.”
If Queensland funnels kids into special schools just because mainstream schools can’t support them, it’s a legal and moral failure.
❌ What Langbroek Is Doing Wrong
Using special schools as the default solution for kids with complex needs.
Ignoring decades of advocacy for inclusive, community-based education.
Locking children away from friends, peers, and opportunity.
Failing to resource mainstream schools properly, forcing families into impossible choices.
“The state is risking condemning generations of students to segregated schooling.” — ACIE
📍 Where This Is Happening
(Central Logan), , , – , West,
Reserve - construction underway
Opening 2027–2029 — capacity ~800 students.
💥 Why We Must Fight
Parents, carers, and advocates: this is your moment to stand up.
Demand real inclusion: Teacher aides, specialists, accessible classrooms.
Reject default segregation: Special schools must never be a punishment.
Use the law: The DDA and Federal Court precedent are on your side.
Document everything: Support plans, enrolment decisions, and communications.
Organize: Share stories, join networks, make noise.
“Expulsions are punitive measures which worsen the situation… until the child is not in school at all.” — Julie Phillips, Disability Discrimination Legal Service
🧑🏫 The Human Cost
Kids locked away from peers and communities.
Families forced into choices they didn’t want.
Mainstream schools under-resourced, so inclusion is impossible.
Society loses when children are denied opportunity and diversity.
This isn’t abstract. It’s real life. Real children. Real futures.
✊ Legal Leverage & Advocacy Tools
Federal Court ruling: Schools cannot expel for disability-related behaviour.
DDA compliance: Inclusion and reasonable adjustments must exist.
UNCRPD obligations: Every child has the right to learn in their community.
Use these tools to hold Langbroek and the Liberals accountable.
🔥 Call to Arms
Parents, carers, and advocates: stand up. Fight. Fight. Fight.
Write to your local MP.
Challenge placement decisions.
Share your story publicly.
Demand resources for mainstream inclusion.
Hold the government accountable.
Our children are not a problem to lock away.
Their rights, dignity, and future depend on action — and that action starts now.
