Macquarie Network ::: 2GB | 2CH | LIVENEWS | STREET CORNER | RUGBYLEAGUELIVE | WHAT CAREER | AMAZING AUSTRALIANS :::
Wednesday, 03 December 2008

Premier backs keeping principal after Bill Henson controversy

7/10/2008 1:41:00 PM.  | AAP
Victorian Premier John Brumby has defended keeping a Melbourne primary school principal on the job while investigations into her role in the Bill Henson affair continue.

Former St Kilda Park Primary School principal Sue Knight is being investigated for inviting the controversial artist to scout for talent in the school's playground.

Mr Henson was at the centre of an uproar earlier this year over an exhibition of his photographs depicting naked children.

Mr Brumby said it was appropriate for Ms Knight, who is now principal of Coburg West Primary School, to remain working, even though he disapproved of her actions.

"It was quite inappropriate for Mr Henson to have been allowed into the school," Mr Brumby said.

"The teacher concerned has been a very good teacher in our state system for a long period of time and we need to get all of the facts. I think until we've got all of the facts we're not rushing to a final judgment.

"But I repeat, I believe that what occurred was not appropriate and I've made that view clear."

Mr Brumby said there were "very few, if any circumstances" when it was appropriate for an outsider to come into school grounds to scout for business.

However, when asked what the situation was for politicians looking for votes, he suggested there was a difference.

The premier said politicians usually went into senior classes, with the approval of the school.

"But again all of these things will be examined as part of the report being undertaken by the department."

Back at work at Coburg West Primary today, Ms Knight today said she could not comment at length on the incident while the education department investigation was under way.

"I'm not in a position to pre-empt the outcomes of the investigation, but I'm certainly looking forward to receiving the conclusions from the investigation," she told AAP.

"What I'm trying to do is get stuck into my normal work in a very busy, very energetic school."

COMMENTS

Tuesday, 07 October 2008

Typical Brumby, the St Kilda "sophisticates" will be over joyed. Should Vic now consider axing the need for parental permission for their children to be exposed to someone visiting their school grounds to scrutinise their children for naked photo shoots. Oh hell, why not just open the gates and let them all in to survey the schoolyard AKA "meatyard".

Posted by: susan lawe, gippsland

 

Tuesday, 07 October 2008

sack her NOW

Posted by: meme mcphee, melbourne

 

Tuesday, 07 October 2008

what i couldnt believe was the parents sticking up for her. i would be so angry if it was my school, no matter how nice or good she was

Posted by: Belinda Hummie, New lambton

 
 

YOUR SAY




 


 

500 characters maximum. 500 characters left.


 

* Required field

 
Register to receive daily news and sports details

YOUR SAY

I saw a Segway Human Transporter the other day.... Observer JWH Party, Australia on What is the fixie phenomenon?

I agree Damo. They OPEC countries are out to screw us as hard as they can. i hope the scientists find a replacement for oil,... Chanticlere ., Wollongong on Reduce world oil stocks: OPEC president

It's quite painfully obvious that Channel 7 employ very questionable tactics, particularly the news & current affairs division. Chequebook journalism has become an earmark of... Tim Costello, Central Coast on Seven steals Thank God You're Here

LMAO,I heard someone saw a Yetti near Tamworth the other day.He was pure white too .Think it was from being sumerged for awhile in the... Pierce B, Vic on Is this possum the first furry victim of climate change?

If the offer is genuine-no strings attached and no no go areas,including the Afgan border region-India should accept as a first step and take it... Desmond Harris, Beacon Hill on Pakistan offers 'joint investigation' into Mumbai attacks