Here's what Chanel Contos' petition has achieved over the past two weeks
On International Women's Day, here's a look at exactly what Chanel Contos' petition, calling for improved sex consent education, has achieved so far:
29,613 signatures
2,798 testimonies
NSW Police and school leaders have pledged action
NSW Police met with the state's top educators and promised to do more to combat sexual violence. "A commitment was made to establish a statement of intent... Some of the key elements that will be considered during this process include but are not limited to: consent education, protocols on reporting, and most importantly, the safety, welfare and wellbeing of young people." - NSW Police in a statement on Friday
Schools themselves have announced sex education changes
Schools in Sydney's eastern suburbs - including Cranbrook, Scots College, Waverley College and St Catherine's School - have responded to the petition by saying they will introduce new sex and consent programs by mid-year. Ten eastern suburbs private schools met with Chanel Contos about her petition, and a separate group of 15 private schools conducted a workshop with Contos last week.
A new, bipartisan push for sex education reform in NSW
Three female politicians from across the political spectrum are calling for the state government to reform its sex education curriculum and consent laws. The politicians are urging supporters to sign a new petition that would require NSW Parliament to debate sex education reform and consider whether the law should be changed "to require sexual consent to be enthusiastic consent".
Queensland’s Premier wants urgent change
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she wanted all schools to have a process in place for sexual assault allegations, and she would talk with her Government's Education Minister to ensure there was "urgent, collaborative change" in the wake of Contos' petition.