Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has stirred controversy by writing permission slips allowing school students to attend a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne.
Thousands of students are expected to skip class for the Uni and School Students Strike 4 Palestine on March 14.
Senator Thorpe took to social media in a video encouraging school children to attend, reassuring them she would write a permission letter for their teachers.
"Our people have been fighting with the Palestinians for the last 50 years," Senator Thorpe said in the video.
"This is your future, you are the young people, and you are part of the solution going forward."
"You have my permission, personal permission, to skip school and get on down and stand with Palestine."
"If you need a note for the teacher I'll be happy to write it."
She made good on the promise on March 13, publishing an official permission letter through Instagram on her parliamentary letterhead.
"Dear teacher," the letter read.
"I hereby give my permission to this student to attend the student strike for Palestine, Thursday 14th of March, 2pm at the State Library, Melbourne.
"Free Palestine!
"Sincerely, Senator Lidia Thorpe."
ACM asked Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan whether she supported Senator Thorpe's actions but she declined to comment.
Ms Allan has previously defended students' right to leave the classroom to attend Palestine rallies.
"We live in a democracy. Being able to come together and hold a rally, a peaceful rally, depending on the issue that you're concerned about or the issue that you're exercised about, that's a fundamental principle of our democracy that must not and should not change," Ms Allan said ahead of a similar rally in November.
A Department of Education spokesperson said: "Normal attendance expectations will still apply on Thursday 14 March.
"Schools will continue to support all students impacted by the devastating events in the Middle East," the spokesperson said.
The Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) refused to comment on whether Senator Thorpe's note could lead to students attending the rally without the knowledge of their parent or guardian.
But chief executive Julia Baron said VicSRC supported students' right to "participate in safe, responsible activism".
"The power of student voice is not limited to education reform, and should be listened to, and amplified in, all areas of their civic participation," Ms Baron said.
"We encourage students to do their research and be aware of their rights and responsibilities as activists and to take all possible measures to care for their own physical and mental wellbeing, as well as considering the well-being of others being impacted."
Senator Thorpe did not respond to requests for comment.
Ben Silvester
Correspondent covering key issues across regional Victoria, based in Melbourne.
Correspondent covering key issues across regional Victoria, based in Melbourne.
