Queensland College of Teachers

Disciplinary Proceedings of the Professional Practice and Conduct Committee

The Professional Practice and Conduct Committee (PP&C Committee) may conduct proceedings for disciplinary matters by hearing or correspondence.  The proceedings may not be conducted by correspondence if the relevant teacher requires the PP&C Committee to conduct proceedings by hearing.  If the committee decides to conduct proceedings by hearing, that hearing must be closed to the public.

The committee must decide the matter in the way it considers appropriate and must observe natural justice and act as quickly and with as little formality and technicality as is consistent with a fair and proper consideration of the matter. In making its decision the PP&C Committee must have regard to the following:

• primarily, the welfare and best interests of children;
• the objects of this Act;
• the circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the
  matter.

The committee is not bound by the rules of evidence, may inform itself in a way, and to the extent, the committee considers appropriate, may decide the procedures to be followed for the proceedings and may receive evidence on oath or by statutory declaration.

If, after hearing and considering the matter, the committee reasonably believes that a ground for disciplinary action against the relevant teacher exists the committee may decide the disciplinary action to be taken against the teacher.

As soon as practicable after making its decision, the committee must give the teacher notice about the decision.  The committee’s decision is binding on the QCT and the relevant teacher. However a relevant teacher may appeal to the Internal Review Committee by making an application for a review of certain decisions of the PP&C Committee.

If the disciplinary matter originated from a complaint, the committee must also give notice of its decision to the complainant.