Funding boost for Victorian schools to counter ‘toxic’ Andrew Tate-style rhetoric

Accused sex trafficker and influencer Andrew Tate is the basis for a Victorian scheme teaching students to identify and respond to misogyny. More than 1900 state, independent, religious and non-government schools are signed up to a respectful relationships curriculum, which began in 2016. But the material on the relationships program is being updated, specifically to counter the misogynistic views of influencers like Tate, with a $7.8m funding boost. Parliamentary secretary for men’s behaviour change, Tim Richardson, said these resources played an important part in bringing behavioural change across Victoria and combating toxic influences like Andrew Tate. Tate and his brother have cultivated millions of followers by promoting an ultra-masculine lifestyle, which critics say denigrates women. “I do know how to administer CPR. However, I will not administer CPR unless you’re a hot female,” Tate says in a 2022 TikTok video. He goes on to say he would not give a male friend CPR “cos I aint gay”. Tate sells pricey memberships to his online “War Room” - “a global network in which exemplars of individualism work to free the modern man from socially induced incarceration.” He also has 10 million followers on X. The brothers are currently awaiting trial on rape and human trafficking charges, which they deny, in Romania. Actor James McAvoy has said he based his latest sinister character on Andrew Tate’s toxic masculinity. The updated Victorian education materials will give students skills to “counter the influence of Andrew Tate-types”, Prevention of Family Violence Minister Vicki Ward says, plus helping students safely navigate consent, sextortion, porn and gender-based bullying. “Embedding respect into relationships is fundamental to the wellbeing of our kids - for them to feel respected as well as respecting others,” Ms Ward said. “These new resources will give Victorian students even more support to develop relationships based on respect.” A new expression of interest process opened for schools on Thursday to sign up for the program. Signing up garners funding, and implementation guidance from the government. More than 1950 Victorian schools are signed on, including 370 non-government schools.