New laws to strengthen child protection in schools

Education Minister Kate Jones today introduced legislation into State Parliament to strengthen protection for children in schools.

Ms Jones said the Education and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 would also make Prep the compulsory first year of schooling from 2017.

“This Bill will strengthen the Queensland College of Teachers’ powers to suspend a teacher judged to be a risk to children,” she said.

“Until now the college’s ability to act was limited to cases where the college reasonably believed a teacher posed ‘an imminent risk of harm’ to children.

“The new test strengthens the college’s power to act where it reasonably believes a teacher posed ‘an unacceptable risk of harm’.

“We want the college to act in the best interests of children, to protect the safety and wellbeing of Queensland students.”

Ms Jones said the Bill would also ensure all Queensland children benefit from Prep.

“We already have a high proportion of children undertaking Prep in Queensland,” she said.

“This Bill will help catch the small group of children currently missing out.

“Evidence shows a wide range of benefits in later life for children who take part in high-quality Prep programs.

“These include higher levels of completed education and subsequent employment.”

Ms Jones said the Bill left scope for parents to use their judgement regarding their child’s readiness for school when deciding when to enrol their child for Prep, provided they are enrolled and attending school from the age of compulsory schooling.

Other changes affecting teachers in the Bill include the introduction of voluntary agreements to resolve minor disciplinary matters, and clarification of when schools must notify the college about allegations of child harm.

The Bill will also allow health-related matters identified during disciplinary proceedings to be properly assessed and considered in a supportive manner and it creates a regulatory mechanism for the recovery of state and federal funding that has been overpaid to a non-state school.

Media: Matt Jutsum 0408 998 940