Former Sydney school student Chanel Contos, 22, has launched a petition called Teach Us Consent, which advocates for earlier and improved sex education.

Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge says he admires the courage of Ms Contos and others who have shared stories after being encouraged by her petition.

"I've got to say I've been quite shocked at the extent of the number of people who are coming forward," he told Sky News on Thursday.

The petition has sparked almost 3000 testimonies from women who experienced sexual abuse or misconduct at school.

Mr Tudge said the federal government would in coming weeks nationally distribute Respect Matters, a suite of education material.

It will include information about respectful relationships, consent and sexual abuse.

"This is an issue for the entire community to do better at," Mr Tudge said.

The government is under immense pressure over the treatment of women after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleged she was raped by a colleague in a minister's office.

Ms Higgins coming forward triggered national debate about sexual assault and the workplace culture inside Parliament House.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is also refusing to launch an independent inquiry into rape allegations against Attorney-General Christian Porter from when he was at high school.

Mr Porter emphatically denies the alleged incident happened and is now on mental health leave.

Ms Contos' petition has garnered more than 30,000 signatures and prompted states to review education about sexual consent.

Australian Associated Press