Suspension of registration
Failure to comply with a condition
If a person holds provisional registration or permission to teach that is subject to a condition or holds full registration subject to a returning to teach condition and the person fails to comply with the condition the QCT may order the suspension of the person's registration or permission to teach. See Compliance for more information
Charge for an disqualifying offence (s.48 suspension)
If an approved teacher is charged with an disqualifying offence the QCT, must immediately after it becomes aware of the charge, suspend the teacher’s registration or permission to teach. The QCT must notify the teacher, the employing authority for, and the principal of, each school at which the teacher is employed and the Teachers Disciplinary Committee (TDC). The TDC must review the continuation of the suspension for the purpose of deciding whether the teacher's case is exceptional in which the best interests of children would not be harmed if the suspension were ended.
Should the teacher be convicted of the offence and an imprisonment or disqualification order imposed the QCT must cancel the teacher's registration or permission to teach.
Should the teacher be acquitted of the charge, the charge be withdrawn, dismissed or a no true bill presented the QCT may refer the matter to the TDC for the purpose of determining whether a ground for disciplinary action is established against the teacher.
Imminent risk of harm to children (s.49 suspension)
The QCT may suspend an approved teacher’s registration or permission to teach if the QCT reasonably believes the teacher poses an imminent risk of harm to children and it is necessary to immediately suspend the teachers’ registration or permission to teach to protect children. The QCT must notify the teacher, the employing authority for, and the principal of, each school at which the teacher is employed and the Teachers Disciplinary Committee. The QCT may also notify the Commission for Children Young People and Child Guardian of the suspension. The Teachers Disciplinary Committee must start a disciplinary hearing not more than 14 days after the day the teacher is suspended for the purpose of determining whether a ground for disciplinary action is established against the teacher.
If a teacher's registration or permission to teach is suspended by the QCT details about the suspension are available on the public register.
Order of the Teachers Disciplinary Committee
After finishing a hearing, the TDC must decide whether a ground for disciplinary action has been established. If a ground has been established, the TDC may decide to take disciplinary action, including to suspend of the teacher’s registration or permission to teach. The decision takes effect on the day the notice is given to the teacher or the day of effect stated in the notice.
The QCT must give effect to the TDC’s decision. The teacher or the QCT may appeal against the decision to the District Court.
If a teacher’s registration or permission to teach is suspended by the QCT on disciplinary grounds details about the suspension are available on the public register.