Queensland College of Teachers v Segger

This case involved a disciplinary proceeding brought by the Queensland College of Teachers against Mr Peter Terence Segger, alleging that he had committed the offence of fraud while employed as a teacher. Mr Segger admitted the grounds for disciplinary action but argued that he had since rehabilitated himself and was now suitable to teach. The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) was required to determine whether disciplinary action was warranted and, if so, what action should be taken. QCAT found that a ground for disciplinary action existed because Mr Segger had been convicted of an indictable offence, even though it was not a serious offence as defined in the Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Act 2005 (Qld). The Tribunal also found that Mr Segger was now suitable to teach, having successfully undergone treatment for a psychological impairment that had contributed to the offence. However, QCAT considered that a reprimand was appropriate given the passage of time, Mr Segger's rehabilitation, and his present suitability to teach. The Tribunal rejected the College's submission that a suspension of Mr Segger's registration and an ethics course were necessary, finding that the criminality of Mr Segger's conduct was less than that of other cases cited by the College.

Mr Segger is reprimanded for committing the offence of fraud in the course of his employment as a teacher between 1 January 2007 and 1 January 2008. No further disciplinary action is taken.