TEACHERS REGISTRATION BOARD

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (17:48): I move:

That the Statutory Authorities Review Committee inquire into and report on the effectiveness of the Teachers Registration Board in the exercise of its functions and power with respect to:

1. The welfare and best interests of children as its primary consideration in the performance of its function;

2. The manner and process by which it ensures that a teacher registration system and professional standards are maintained to safeguard the public interest in there being a teaching profession whose members are competent educators and fit and proper persons to have the care of the children;

3. The composition of the board;

4. The manner and process by which evidence is gathered and presented to the board, including the representation of parties to proceedings;

5. The relationship between the Department for Education and Children's Services and the board; and

6. Any other relevant matters.

This motion was first introduced on 26 September 2007 by the Hon. Nick Xenophon in response to allegations of improper conduct by a teacher at a school in Mount Gambier. These allegations were reported and investigated by the Teachers Registration Board, but parents expressed concerns about the way in which the investigation was conducted and how the board dealt with evidence, especially from children and parents who were affected. Since the motion was introduced, the South Australian Association of State Schools Organisations has come out in support of establishing the inquiry, and I thank it for its support.

Its support indicates that there are wider systemic issues that need to be brought out into the open and solutions sought. I think this inquiry will have much to contribute in shining a light on the inadequacies of the current legislation and practices of the board in its interaction with those in the school community and its dealings with the Department of Education. I urge all members to support the motion.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.