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Victorian Parliament Responds to Trans Student Assault at School Sports Day

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 21:47 GMT by Sky News Australia

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Victorian Parliament Heeds Call Over Trans Student‑Assault Incident in School Sports Competition

A shocking episode that unfolded during a school sports competition in Victoria last month has prompted a formal parliamentary response. A 12‑year‑old girl was assaulted by a trans student, and the case has since taken centre stage in the Victorian Parliament with the support of Liberal MP Moira Deeming. The incident has reignited debates over the place of transgender athletes in school sport, the responsibilities of schools, and the balance between safeguarding children and ensuring fair competition.

The Incident

The violence occurred on 27 March 2024 at a local sports day in the town of Colac. The victim, a young girl who has chosen to keep her name private for protection, was struck in the face by a trans girl from the same school who was competing in the 100‑metre sprint. The trans student, aged 13, was wearing a “Boys” track kit and was part of the “Boys” team for that event. The girl who was struck was a member of the “Girls” team. Witnesses say the trans athlete grabbed the victim from behind and punched her twice before the crowd erupted into alarm. The victim suffered a black eye and bruises but was not seriously injured.

According to a statement from the school principal, the trans student was immediately removed from the competition, and the school’s anti‑bullying and anti‑assault policies were invoked. The school has also engaged a counselling service to support all students involved.

The Victim’s Family and the Response

The victim’s parents were initially reluctant to involve authorities, but after seeing the footage posted on social media and hearing about the school’s decision to take disciplinary action, they lodged a formal complaint with the Victorian Department of Education. The family has since decided to bring the matter to Parliament, hoping for stronger safeguards for all students.

The parents’ decision came after a consultation with Moira Deeming, the local Liberal MP. Deeming has a background in sports law and a strong record of supporting parental rights in education. She has been vocal in Parliament about the need for schools to “ensure a safe environment for all children, regardless of gender identity or expression.”

Parliamentary Action

On 9 April 2024, the Victorian Legislative Assembly adopted a motion to review the policy framework governing transgender participation in school sports. The motion was introduced by Deeming and co‑sponsored by a group of independent and Liberal MPs.

The motion urges the Victorian Department of Education to:

1. Re‑evaluate current guidelines on gender categories in school sports competitions, ensuring they are based on scientific evidence and best practices.
2. Implement a clear code of conduct that explicitly prohibits physical assault in any form, with sanctions ranging from suspension to expulsion.
3. Introduce a mandatory reporting system for all incidents of assault or harassment, ensuring swift action and transparent follow‑up.
4. Provide comprehensive training for teachers, coaches, and sports administrators on handling gender‑diverse athletes and fostering an inclusive environment.

The motion passed with 37 votes in favour, 16 against, and 4 abstentions, indicating a significant cross‑party consensus on the issue.

Legal and Scientific Context

The debate touches on a complex intersection of law, science, and ethics. Critics of current inclusion policies argue that allowing trans athletes to compete in categories that do not align with their biological sex may compromise the fairness of competition and the safety of other participants. Proponents counter that robust anti‑bullying protocols and clear policies can mitigate these risks while protecting the rights of all children.

Several Australian sports bodies, including the Australian Sports Commission, have recently issued position statements supporting a “two‑tier” system: a “Girls” and “Boys” division for age‑based competitions and an additional “Trans” or “Open” division for older athletes where the physiological differences become less pronounced. The Victorian Department of Education has yet to adopt a formal model, which underscores the significance of the parliamentary motion.

Broader Social Reactions

The incident has drawn attention from a range of stakeholders. A local advocacy group for transgender youth, Trans Youth Victoria, released a statement condemning the assault but also calling for “evidence‑based policies that promote safety for all children, while recognizing the rights of transgender students.” They highlighted that violence toward trans youth is an ongoing problem that requires systemic change.

Conversely, a coalition of parents’ associations expressed concern that “the safety of children should never be compromised for the sake of inclusion.” They urged the Department to re‑examine policies that allow transgender athletes to compete in sex‑specific categories without comprehensive oversight.

Media coverage has been swift. The national broadcast network ABC ran a live segment featuring the victim’s parents, Deeming, and an expert panel of sports scientists and legal scholars. The coverage emphasised that the incident is not an isolated event but part of a larger conversation about gender, sport, and child welfare.

Impact on the Victim and School

Since the incident, the victim has been receiving counselling and has returned to school with a protective support plan. The school has introduced a “zero‑tolerance” policy for physical assault and launched a school‑wide education program on gender identity, bullying, and safe sporting conduct. The principal has promised to collaborate with the Department to ensure that such incidents never recur.

The trans athlete involved has also faced disciplinary action, including a temporary suspension from school sport. The school’s counselor has worked with her to address underlying issues and to promote empathy and respect for others. The Department of Education has stated that it will provide additional support to all students involved.

What’s Next for Victorian Policy?

The parliamentary motion has already sparked a wave of activity. The Department of Education has announced the formation of an advisory panel that will include educators, sports psychologists, medical experts, and representatives from the transgender community. The panel will report back within six months on recommended changes to the current policy framework.

There are also proposals to pilot a new sports competition format in a subset of schools that would allow for flexible gender categories and provide clearer guidelines for coaches. The Department is expected to present a detailed plan in the next legislative session.

Conclusion

The assault of a girl by a trans student in a Victorian school sports event has highlighted a pressing need to balance inclusion with safety. By taking the matter to Parliament, MP Moira Deeming has amplified the voices of parents, students, and educators, pushing for policies grounded in scientific evidence and child protection. While the issue remains contentious, the Victorian legislative response signals a commitment to addressing the complexities of gender in sport and ensuring that all children can participate safely and respectfully in their schools’ athletic programs.