Daniel Andrews’ policy to shut parents out of their children’s gender transition decisions at school is breathtaking enough.

But it could also be against the law.

Here’s what the Victorian Education Department’s LGBTIQ Student Support policy, under the heading “parental consent”, says:

"There may be circumstances in which students wish or need to undertake gender transition without the consent of their parent/s (or carer/s), and/or without consulting medical practitioners.

"If no agreement can be reached between the student and the parent/s regarding the student’s gender identity, or if the parent/s will not consent to the contents of a student support plan, it will be necessary for the school to consider whether the student is a mature minor."

The idea that government would encourage teachers to go behind parents’ backs on anything – let alone something as life-altering as gender transition is certainly out of step, to say the least, with most parents’ expectations.

Thankfully it appears Andrews has over-stepped the mark, not that his regime has worried too much about the rule of law and government transparency.

In a paper for the Medical Journal of Australia, Calina Ouliaris, points out that Australian law requires parents to be given a say in their children’s gender transition.

“Currently, all three stages of treatment for gender dysphoria in children and adolescents require consent from all parties with parental responsibility,” Ouliaris writes.

“Medical treatment for gender dysphoria typically occurs in three stages beginning in early puberty: stage 1, puberty suppression with puberty blockers; stage 2, gender‐affirming treatment with gender‐affirming hormones; and stage 3, surgical gender‐affirming treatment with surgical interventions.”

The idea that any of this is practiced on children in the first place is astounding.

It is particularly so given the growing de-transitioner movement and caution being taken by medical practitioners overseas.

Somehow Daniel Andrews, blinded by rainbow ideology, has not gotten the memo.

The Victorian Premier’s policy says “schools must work with students affirming their gender identity to prepare and implement a student support plan” and work with parents but only “where possible”.

It even advises schools to point children in the direction of the controversial gender clinic at the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Monash Medical Centre.

When it comes to showering and toileting facilities, teenage boys identifying as girls must be accommodated with the girls, including on school camps, under the Andrews Government.

A compromise option of encouraging boys identifying as girls to use disabled toilets so as to preserve girls’ privacy is rejected.

The policy says schools should ensure:

“…the use of toilets, showers and change rooms that meet the needs of the student. This should be based on the student’s gender identity and whichever facilities they will feel most comfortable using. Students without a disability should not be required to use disabled toilets or facilities."

The policy goes on to say:

“The Department requires schools to support LGBTIQ students by giving proper consideration to the impact of any requirement to participate in school activities according to gender identity or an assumption of heterosexuality (for example, school formals, sports activities, camps).”

This puts Victorian schools at odds with the world swimming governing body FINA, which won’t allow a male who has gone through puberty (but who identifies as a female) to compete against women.

Yet at school camps and swimming carnivals at State high schools in Victoria, testosterone-fuelled teenage boys identifying as girls can be all in with the girls.

Family First is committed to ensuring parents’ rights are upheld at school and that women and girls are not disadvantaged because of ideology.

Family First also believes children should be protected from experimental gender treatments which have life-long consequences.

Requiring the Victorian Premier to uphold the law would be a good start.

Lyle Shelton is National Director of Family First. Sign up to receive updates.