Advertisement

Twenty NSW teachers dismissed for sex abuse in 2016

The number of teachers accused of sexual allegations against minors has risen dramatically when compared to figures for 2009, new data from the New South Wales Education Department reveals.

Figures published in the Teacher Conduct and Performance Report showed 20 teachers were terminated over sexual abuse or misconduct allegations in 2016, up from 12 in 2009 when the data sets were first recorded.

Serious crimes also feature in the list of serious allegations.

One senior teacher was convicted of assault in a family situation, one with multiple break-and-enter convictions, and another found guilty of dangerous driving occasioning death.

Additionally, there are four cases related to illicit drug and alcohol offences.

In the past two years, the total number of conduct allegations also increased, with a total of 46 teaching staff removed from NSW institutions in 2016, up from 38 in 2015. Most of these teachers were then placed on the Not To Be Employed (NTBE) list.

Opposition spokesman for education Jihad Dib said the increase and prevalence of sexual misconduct and criminal behaviours by teachers was a worry.

“Teachers are amongst the most trusted people in society,” Mr Dib said. “I’m very concerned that there’s been an increase in dismissals of teaching staff, but especially for things such as sexual misconduct.

“That’s a major concern.”

Out of the 20 teachers who were removed from their duties for sexual misconduct in 2016, the report showed they were fired for alleged acts against students, including “indecency with person under 16” and “inappropriate touching”.

Additionally, there were two teachers accused of having child pornography in their possession, including one who apparently even “used department equipment” to print the offending material.

The more extreme cases include seven teachers listed for sexual assault convictions — both convictions that were current at the time of dismissal and convictions described as historical.

Staff were also asked to resign after “inappropriate communication” with students on social media.

NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes said figures for staff removed had been as high as 46 in previous years, so were fairly consistent, but stressed there was a zero tolerance for those involved in criminal acts.

“It’s important to recognise that where there is serious misbehaviour those teachers are quite appropriately removed, but I think it’s important to keep this issue in context, this is a tiny number of teachers,” he said.

“I’ll always be open to looking at improvements to make the legal obligations of teachers throughout in NSW even clearer to understand.”

Mr Dib said the Government needed to take targeted action.

“Is there enough being done to ensure that the code of conduct is being adhered to?”

“What about the number of people who haven’t been reported for misconduct in some form?
-ABC

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.