Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2021-08-24 Daily Xml

Contents

Education Department

17 The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (20 July 2021).

1. Was the Minister for Education aware that the former chief executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Jim McDowell, was a member of the Board of Governors of St Peter’s college while he was chief executive?

2. Is there any legal obligation on a school where child abuse has taken place to refund any school fees that have been paid by the family of the abuse victim(s)? If not, should there be and is this something the government has, is, or will consider?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing): The Minister for Education has advised:

1. Yes.

2. The Education and Children’s Services Act 2019 authorises the principal to waive, reduce, and refund a materials and services charge. This is to be dealt with confidentially between the principal and the parent. The Department for Education can assist the family in terms of discussions with the school.