Former prime minister Tony Abbott has weighed into the debate over the controversial schools program focused on same-sex issues, describing it as "social engineering".
The government is reviewing the Safe Schools anti-bullying program following concerns raised by coalition critics, led by outspoken Liberal senator Cory Bernardi.
"It's not an anti-bullying program ... its funding should be terminated," Mr Abbott told The Australian.
When asked if he thought it was "social engineering", Cabinet Minister Steve Ciobo said different people had different points of view.
He hadn't looked at the guide, but supports a review.
"I do think that the message of harmony and allowing for diversity is a positive one but we've got to do so in a way that is age appropriate," he told Sky News.
Labor frontbencher Penny Wong said she didn't envisage fair-minded people would have such a problem with trying to ensure children aren't bullied, when helping to secure funding for the program in 2013. "The extent to which the hard right will go to perpetuate their views and frankly their prejudices I think has been a sight to behold," she told ABC radio.
Senator Wong hoped most parents were of the view children should be taught tolerance.
