Queensland College of Teachers v LDW

The Queensland College of Teachers brought an application against LDW, a registered teacher, seeking to continue the suspension of LDW's registration. The College suspended LDW's registration after it became aware of information that suggested LDW posed an unacceptable risk of harm to children. LDW applied to set aside the suspension, contending that it was unjust and unreasonable given the evidence before the College. The dispute was heard and determined by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

The central issue before QCAT was whether the College had a reasonable belief that LDW posed an unacceptable risk of harm to children. In addressing this issue, QCAT considered the evidence presented by the College and the submissions made by LDW. QCAT found that the College had a reasonable basis for its belief that LDW posed an unacceptable risk of harm to children. This conclusion was based on the evidence that demonstrated LDW had engaged in inappropriate behaviour with students, which had been substantiated by investigations conducted by the College.

Following this finding, QCAT determined that the College's decision to suspend LDW's registration was just and reasonable. The tribunal found that there was no basis to set aside the suspension, and therefore the suspension of LDW's registration was to be continued. In addition to this order, QCAT made an order prohibiting the publication of any information that may identify LDW, any of the relevant students or the relevant school. This was done to protect the privacy of the individuals involved in the proceedings.