NSW: Teacher-student relationship case sparks Department review
SYDNEY, Aug 16 AAP - The NSW Education Department will review its handling of allegationsof teacher misconduct after it took two years to resolve the case of a Sydney teacherinvolved with a former student.
Jeff Sinclair, 52, a former English teacher at a north-west Sydney high school, begana relationship three years ago with a student 33 years his junior.
Following a lengthy investigation, Mr Sinclair has been sacked and will not be re-employedby the department.
Education Minister Andrew Refshauge said the case highlighted the need for a reviewof disciplinary procedures for alleged misconduct by teachers, including child protectionmatters.
"It is not acceptable that a case like this should take two years to resolve. it isnot fair on anybody," Dr Refshauge said in a statement.
"In no way is this review about undermining procedural fairness. It is about deliveringa better system that ensures a more timely resolution."
Possible changes to be examined by the review include improving the range of penaltiesfor disciplinary cases and appointing independent officers, such as retired judges, todetermine disicplinary matters full-time.
Dr Refshauge has asked for the review to be completed within six weeks.
AAP ka/wjf
KEYWORD: MISCONDUCT
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