Teachers’ Union fears Qld Human Rights Bill will spark cyber-bullying against students and teachers

A major Queensland union has raised concerns the Palaszczuk Government’s Human Rights Bill could encourage cyber-bullying against students and teachers.

A major Queensland union has raised concerns the Palaszczuk Government’s Human Rights Bill could encourage cyber-bullying against students and teachers.

The Queensland Teachers’ Union also wants changes to the legislation when it comes to enshrining a right to education, its submission to the parliamentary committee reviewing the bill reveals.

“This right to freedom of expression will allow parents and other stakeholders in the

educational community to air their opinions on public servants, including teachers, school staff and students in a public forum,” QTU general secretary Graham Moloney writes in submission.

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“The QTU is extremely concerned that this will effectively legitimise cyber-bullying, in a world where such cyber-bullying is already an extremely delicate and fatal issue.

QTU general secretary Graham Moloney: “The QTU is extremely concerned that this will effectively legitimise cyber-bullying, in a world where such cyber-bullying is already an extremely delicate and fatal issue.”

“If a parent engages in cyber-bullying activities, such as posting on Facebook words to

the effect of ‘I think Teacher X is hopeless’ or ’I think Teacher X should no longer be

allowed to teach’, this right to freedom of expression will prevent the Department of

Education from reprimanding the person who made the comment, and will also prevent

the Department from requesting that the person removes the post which forms the

basis of the bullying complaint.

“This may also prevent the Department from being able to issue policies on cyber-bullying.”

The union has suggested the right be removed or amended to ensure that freedom of expression must be “within the bounds of the law”.

On the right to education within the bill, the QTU raised concerns it could impact on the ability of schools to seek to exclude a child.

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has moved to allay the union’s concerns, insisting cyber bullying would not be tolerated by the Palaszczuk Government nor allowed under the Human Rights Bill.

“One student’s right to access appropriate education could be infringed by other students’ behaviour; yet excluding a student denies them of their right to access education,” Mr Moloney’s writes in the submission.

“Ultimately, it is likely the Supreme Court would find the right to exclude should

prevail in this situation.

“We seek amendment of the bill and amendment into the Education (General Provisions) Act to avoid the need to have a Supreme Court determine this question.”

The committee reviewing the bill is due to report back to parliament next year before the legislation is debated and passed.

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has moved to allay the union’s concerns, insisting cyber bullying would not be tolerated by the Palaszczuk Government nor allowed under the Human Rights Bill.

“The Human Rights Bill expressly acknowledges that rights are not absolute; there is a balance between an individual’s right and the rights of the broader community that must be considered.”