Qantas chairman joins Churchie rebels at testimonial dinner

Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford was among speakers at a testimonial dinner organised by rebel Churchie old boys.

Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford has made a dramatic entrance into debate over the governance of one of Brisbane’s most exclusive schools, speaking at a testimonial for a former “Churchie” headmaster that was organised by a group calling for an overhaul of its management.

Last night’s sold-out dinner came 10 months after the opening of a library at the Anglican Church Grammar School that was to bear the late Harry Roberts’ name, in honour of his time as headmaster from 1947 to 1969.

The plan to name the building after Roberts was dumped over criticism of his handling of child sexual abuse allegations against teachers, sparking outrage from a group of old boys who believe the decision was unjust.

Mr Clifford was a student at the school when Roberts was headmaster.

More than 220 tickets, at $140 apiece, were sold for the inaugural Harry Roberts Testimonial Dinner where Mr Clifford and others — including the father of federal Attorney-General Christian Porter, Chilla Porter — paid tribute to the former Churchie headmaster.

The dinner was organised by Rescue Churchie, a group of former students who want a more independent governance structure and say the Anglican Church ­exercises too much control.

Rescue Churchie president Tom Biggs said the dinner and speeches were focused on ­people’s memories of Roberts.

“It’s probably the most significant gathering of old boys since the school started on this very day, February 8, 1912, because the attendees span about seven decades and are coming from all over Australia,” Dr Biggs said, adding that some flew in from overseas.

“That alone is a pretty good indication of the affection and regard that people have for the Roberts family and Harry.’’

He said the controversy over the library’s name had galvanised support for a non-centralised governance structure, which he thought would reflect recommendations for independent schools made by the ­child abuse inquiry.

Representatives of the Anglican Church were invited to the dinner, but a spokesman for the church said none would attend. “If a group of Churchie alumni wish to gather to reflect on the memory of Harry Roberts, that’s a matter for them,” the spokesman said.

“The diocese acknowledges that some Churchie school alumni have concerns about the decision not to use the Roberts name on the library. The school council, supported by the diocese, made a decision and we plan to continue to focus on providing an outstanding education for students in a safe and caring environment.”