Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal Rule Changes

Media Release – 30 October 2013

Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal Rule Changes

The Teachers Council proposes to amend its rules to allow its Disciplinary Tribunal proceedings to be open to the public. But careful safeguards need to be put into place.

“Since many Tribunal hearings involve evidence from children and young people, suitable protection needs to be provided to these witnesses. This requires that appropriate suppression powers are provided to the Tribunal,” said the Director, Dr Peter Lind.

“We want the same penalties for breaches of any suppression orders as exists for the Health Practitioners Tribunal,” Dr Lind added. “Such penalties need to be included in any amendments to the Education Act currently being proposed by the Minister of Education.”

“So while the proposed rule changes are in accordance with the principle of open justice, the Teachers Council is seeking strong legislative protection from anyone who breaches any orders of the Disciplinary Tribunal,” says Dr Lind.

The Council is inviting submissions on the proposed rule amendments. Any person may make a submission. The process for making a submission is outlined on the Teachers Council website: http://www.teacherscouncil.govt.nz/news-events/news/notice-proposed-change-new-zealand-teachers-councils-rules

ENDS

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