Did you know there are instances where the QCT can suspend a teacher’s registration if it reasonably believes they pose an unacceptable risk of harm to children?

A recent case heard at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) shows how a teacher’s behaviour outside the school, and not directed at their students, can affect their eligibility for registration.

In this case, the teacher’s registration was suspended by the QCT after it was notified by Queensland Police that they had been charged with domestic violence.

The QCT can suspend a teacher’s registration in circumstances where the teacher has been charged with a serious offence, or if it reasonably believes the teacher poses an unacceptable risk of harm to a child.

For an unacceptable risk of harm suspension, QCAT must then review the continuation of the suspension to decide whether the teacher poses an unacceptable risk of harm to children.

Despite submissions by the teacher that they had an exceptional record across the schools they had taught in, the QCT submitted that the issue was not the quality of their teaching, but rather the risk of harm they pose to children. The QCT noted the presence of the teacher’s own children during the alleged domestic assault.

Whilst the teacher acknowledged their “poor decision” and that they “let down” their teaching team and community, it was noted there was little reference to the harm they caused to the impact of the conduct on the victim.

QCAT determined the teacher’s suspension must continue, as it could not be satisfied that they do not pose an unacceptable risk of harm to children.

Suspension and cancellation of registration are two of the disciplinary actions the QCT can take against a teacher who is currently – or was at the time of the conduct in question – a registered teacher.

Visit our website to learn more about the grounds for disciplinary action and practice and conduct matters.