Parents blast school after arrest of Sunshine Coast teacher on child procurement

Parents at Sunshine Coast school are disturbed by a school’s vague response to a teacher’s arrest for allegedly trying to procure a child online. SEE the principal’s letter.

Parents at a Sunshine Coast school where a well-known teacher was arrested on a child procurement charge have blasted the institution’s response to the shocking incident.

Mothers and fathers spoke of the disgust when they were notified by the school this week when a 58-year-old man was arrested at his home on Saturday by detectives from Taskforce Argos where items were seized for analysis.

Police will allege the man used a social media platform to procure a child for sexual acts.

He was charged with one count of using the internet to procure a child under 16 and released on strict bail conditions to face Maroochydore Magistrates Court next month.

The school, which this publication has chosen not to name, sent an email to parents and guardians this week to address the arrest of the teacher.

Footage showing the arrest of a man by Queensland police. Picture: QPS

“The safety and wellbeing of our students is our priority. (The school) has recently learned of an allegation against a teacher, possibly constituting an online child sex offence. We take such allegations extremely seriously,” the email stated.

The email continued by saying police were conducting an investigation which the school was co-operating with, however stated while the scope and nature of the allegations were “not clear at this time”, they said there was no evidence at this stage a child at the school was involved.

“It is important for us to share all relevant information with you as soon as possible. However, due to laws protecting privacy, and to preserve the integrity of the police investigation, we are limited in what we can say about the allegations and the investigation,” the email continued.

“Be advised the teacher is no longer in the workplace while the matter is ongoing.

“This matter has been discussed with students at our school. We leave the decision to discuss the matter with your child in your hands as parents and carers, in the privacy of your home, and who know best your child’s need to know this information.

“We understand this letter may raise concerns for parents. However as advised to us by the Queensland Police Service, we cannot answer any questions regarding this matter while there is an active and ongoing police investigation.”

The email stated concerned parents and staff could contact a nominated detective from Taskforce Argos if they required more information which included approved information about the investigation, concerns about the welfare and safety of their child, and more.

The principal said they should also contact the detective if they had information which may assist the police investigation.

If they also had concerns about the safety and welfare of their child, parents could also contact the principal.

One mother who spoke to this publication on Friday was frustrated at how “vague” the email was, pointing to the lack of gender, age or what year levels the teacher who was arrested taught.

“I had to call the school to even confirm that, it’s just not on,” she said.

Another mother said she felt “disheartened” by the school’s correspondence to parents and guardians.

“It feels like they’re protecting the teacher more than the students,” she told this publication.

Detectives from Argos arrested two men following the execution of two search warrants. Picture: QPS

“We’re all shocked,” another concerned mum said.

“I thought very highly of the school too, but it’s all very hush hush to me,” a separate parent said.

A spokeswoman from the Department of Education said the teacher was no longer working at the school.

“Protecting the safety and wellbeing of students is the top priority of the Department of Education,” he said.

“After being made aware of the charges by Queensland Police, immediate steps were taken to stop the employee working at any state school.

“We are unable to comment further on the matter given that it’s a current police investigation.

“Active steps have been taken to inform the school community and provide support with correspondence to parents sent on Tuesday.

“Guidance support is in place for any students and staff that may require assistance.

“Parents and care givers with concerns are encouraged to discuss them with the school principal.”

In an unrelated matter, another man – a 49-year-old from Nambour – was also arrested by Taskforce Argos detectives this month and charged with using the internet to access child abuse material and the possession of child exploitation material.

Police allege he used the internet to access child abuse material, and his electronics were also seized for further examination.

He was granted bail and is expected to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on July 7.