New governance rules for Queensland grammar schools

Governance rules for Queensland’s grammar schools have been reformed to cut red tape and support school boards in long-term planning.

The Grammar Schools Bill 2016 is set to become law after its passage today through State Parliament.

Education Minister Kate Jones said the Bill would replace the existing Grammar Schools Act 1975.

“The Grammar Schools Bill was drafted to modernise the legislation that regulates Queensland’s eight grammar schools and cut red tape,” Ms Jones said.

“The Bill includes amendments to modernise the board appointment process and to assist the boards with succession planning and board rejuvenation.”

Ms Jones said the Bill reduced red tape while maintaining adequate government oversight of grammar schools.

“We want to ensure boards of trustees have more autonomy to determine their own operational procedures,” she said.

“The Government will continue to provide oversight of the boards and the Minister will maintain the power to appoint an administrator if there are concerns about financial viability.”

Ms Jones said the Bill also ensured that no new grammar schools would be established.

“Queensland’s eight grammar schools were established between 1863 and 1892,” she said.

“It is no longer necessary for the State Government to retain the power to establish grammar schools and the Grammar Schools Bill limits the number of grammar schools in Queensland to the existing eight schools.”

Ms Jones said the Government had received requests to address the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse within the Bill.

“The Government supports the recommendation that a single national redress scheme should be established to provide the most effective structure for ensuring equity and consistency for victims,” she said.

“We are committed to working with the Commonwealth, and the states and territories to explore options for a way forward. 

“It is anticipated that any negotiations around the establishment of a redress scheme will involve non-government institutions, including non-government schools and this mechanism could more properly consider and address issues raised by survivors of child sexual abuse rather than through legislative amendment.”

Queensland’s eight grammar schools are: Brisbane Girls Grammar School; Brisbane Grammar School; Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School including Ipswich Junior Grammar School; Ipswich Grammar School; Rockhampton Girls Grammar School; The Rockhampton Grammar School; Toowoomba Grammar School; Townsville Grammar School.

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