Cyberbullying on COAG agenda after Dolly's death

The Queensland government has confirmed the prime minister has agreed to consider the issue of cyberbullying at next month's COAG meeting.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement while meeting with stakeholders to discuss tackling cyberbullying after Dolly Everett's death.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement while meeting with stakeholders to discuss tackling cyberbullying after Dolly Everett's death. Source: Victoria Racing Club Limited

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has agreed to put cyberbullying on the agenda at the COAG meeting next month.

The premier made the announcement while meeting with stakeholders on Monday afternoon to discuss the best way to tackle the issue in the wake of the Amy "Dolly" Everett's death.

Dolly was a 14-year-old girl who took her own life earlier this month after being bullied. She was the famous face of iconic Akubra Hats.

Her death sparked a nationwide conversation about cyberbullying and depression in young people.



Ms Palaszczuk said her cabinet had already agreed to establish an anti-bullying taskforce as well as granting child support group 'yourtown' $60,000.

She told the meeting she wanted their views and ideas to help form the action plan she will take to COAG on 9 February.

"Governments don't have all the answers, neither does any individual sitting around this table, but hopefully collectively we can put in place a very good action plan," M Palaszczuk  said.

University of Queensland Professor Matt Sanders, the founder of the Positive Parenting Program, was among the stakeholders at the meeting and said it was an "important afternoon".

"I think it's important that we raise awareness in the community that this is a shared responsibility," Prof Sanders said.

"You can't just look to governments to resolve the issue and parents need to put up their hand and say 'I am part of the solution'."

The LNP opposition has offered bipartisan support on the issue, with Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mander reiterating on Monday they would give the government support within reason.

"Today's a good start; we'll have to wait and see what the outcomes are," Mr Mander told reporters.

"It would have been great to have a seat at the table so that we could contribute to that as well, but this is beyond politics."

State cabinet was also briefed on the establishment of a new dedicated Youth Advisory Council and a statewide survey of school children between March and June this year to collect their stories and experiences of cyberbullying.


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