South Australia Minister for Education John Gardner

Teachers Facing Serious Criminal Charges Can Now Be Suspended Immediately

Victor P Taffa

Teachers Registration Board can immediately suspend the registration of a teacher charged with serious criminal offences, including rape, murder and drug dealing, after legislation passed through parliament earlier this year came into effect today.

Marshall Government introduced legislation in September this year to amend the Teacher Registration and Standards Act 2004.

New law allows the Board to immediately suspend the registration of a teacher, or vary the conditions of a teacher’s registration, if they are charged with a prescribed offence.

Previously, a teacher’s registration remained valid while any court proceedings and subsequent disciplinary inquiries are underway.

This meant that while a teacher charged with serious offences would be stood down from their current employment, they could have potentially sought employment in another school or as a private tutor.

Minister for Education John Gardner said the move was crucial in ensuring the community has full confidence in the teacher registration process.

“Today we have closed a crucial loophole that upholds the integrity of the teachers’ register and ensures the confidence of the community in our teaching workforce.” Minister Gardner said.

“Our teachers work hard to improve the lives of students and contribute to a well-educated and engaged society, and they deserve the trust and respect of our community.”

“Government is committed to doing everything we can to ensure keep our children and young people safe at school.” Minister Gardner said.

“Community has an expectation that teachers registered in South Australia are not only competent educators, but are also fit and proper persons to have the care of children.”

“This new law means that teachers facing such serious charges will not remain on the register while these matters are being finalised, and all members of the community can have full confidence in the teachers’ register.” Minister Gardner said.