Both sides of federal politics are supporting a national crackdown on school bullying. Peter Dutton is backing a unified national system to respond to incidents of bullying – declaring ahead of the next federal election that he would be "the first to sign up". Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has also declared that the government is "committed to working with states and territories" after state leaders said bullying should be discussed at a national level, including in the national cabinet. Health and policy expert Professor Ian Hickie says parents need to get involved with their child's school when they see early signs.