’National pride’ and ‘Western values’ the focus of Coalition education plan that would reduce First Nations content

The Coalition wants to change what Australian students learn at school. Shadow education minister Julian Leeser said three topics would be cut from the curriculum. Those are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, Australia's links with Asia, and sustainability. Leeser spoke at an education conference in Sydney on Saturday. He said these topics should instead sit inside history, geography or science classes. He said maths and science teachers should not have to squeeze them in.

The three topics are called cross-curriculum priorities. They are not separate subjects. They run through other classes like English, history and science. Leeser also said students should learn about democracy, the rule of law and 'a fair go'. He wants every school to have a flag. The plan comes as the Coalition tries to win back voters from One Nation. Recent test results showed Australia's maths and reading scores at their worst ever.

School lessons shape what young Australians know about their country. This plan would change which stories and ideas students meet in class.