Teachers slam Mayor’s youth crime theory as ‘nonsense’

Teaching union says Gold Coast Mayor is “clutching at straws” in questioning whether “lefty” educators are to blame for the region’s youth crime.

THE boss of the Queensland Teachers Union says Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is “clutching at straws” in questioning whether “lefty” educators are to blame for the region’s youth crime.

QTU president Kevin Bates said teachers were tired of being blamed for society’s problems, did not have a political bent and “pot shots” from city leaders did not help.

“The notation that schools or teachers should be to blame for attacks and assaults in the region is simply nonsense,” Mr Bates said.

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Queensland Teachers Union President Kevin Bates. Photo: Claudia Baxter

“From our perspective the Mayor is clutching at straws to explain the issues the Gold Coast is facing.

“Teachers are getting tired of being blamed for every one of society’s ills.”

“If the mayor has something positive to say we would be happy to sit down and discuss it with him. But simply having pot shots at teachers and calling teachers names is an unfortunate and misjudged comment.

“We would rather see constructive solutions.”

In asking questions yesterday about the city’s teen thug problem, Cr Tate said: “It does concern me. The trend of disrespect from the younger generation seems to be growing. I put that down to part of our education system, at a state and federal level they should look into that — why is it occurring? Is it because they have too many lefties in the teaching industry? This is a question to be asked.”

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Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Jerad Williams

The Mayor’s comments follow Bulletin reports of an horrific homophobic bashing at Westfield Coomera and a run of teenagers being violently robbed for their brand-named clothes.

A number of attacks are happening at shopping centres in the city’s north and train stations. The Bulletin has reported four incidents in the past week.

In the short term, Cr Tate said he would be talking to Gold Coast police about more security cameras, lighting and signage in youth crime hot spots to help keep kids safe.

Mr Bates said the accusations that teachers were “lefties” and had a political agenda was also inaccurate.

“All teachers are doing is teaching the national curriculum that was approved by the combined national education ministers,” Mr Bates said.

“Comments otherwise are misplaced in terms of reality.”