Schoolteacher Christopher Gerald Savage suspended after child exploitation material allegations

An Ipswich high school teacher facing child exploitation materials charges has been suspended, but he remained on bail despite allegedly breaching its conditions.

Christopher Gerald Savage outside the Ipswich court earlier in 2024. Picture: Grace Koo

An Ipswich high school teacher facing child exploitation materials charges has been suspended, but he remained on bail despite allegedly breaching its conditions.

Lowood State High School teacher Christopher Gerald Savage, 36, was allegedly found to have child abuse materials on electronic devices during a police search of his home.

The school previously listed Mr Savage as the head of department of junior schooling on its website, but he was removed after the allegations were uncovered.

A Queensland Department of Education spokesman said this employee was not currently in the workplace.

“The department is unable to comment on matters before the court,” he said.

According to Queensland College of Teachers register, Mr Savage was suspended, although his registration was supposed to end five years later.

The South Ripley man was charged in September with two counts of possessing child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service and two counts of using a carriage service to access and transmit child abuse materials.

Christopher Gerald Savage outside the Ipswich courthouse on September 23, 2024. Picture: Grace Koo

He also faced a breach of bail condition charge which was laid in November.

Court documents revealed the offence occurred for a period until October 3.

The matter was briefly mentioned at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday without his appearance. No plea has been entered.

Defence lawyer solicitor Eddie Bien said his other matters will be heard four weeks later and requested an adjournment.

Magistrate Jason Schubert adjourned the matter to December 16 for mention, with Mr Savage’s appearance to be excused, and enlarged his bail.

Lowood State High School principal Stacey Beu said support services were available for anyone who may require assistance in a September letter received by parents.

“First and foremost, I want to reassure you that we treat the safety and wellbeing of your students as our highest priority at all times,” she said.

“While I appreciated your desire to understand the specifics of this matter, I am sure you understand that we are unable to go into any details as it is before the courts.

“I am only too happy to meet with any parent who has a concern.

“Finally, I would reiterate that the safety and welfare of your students continues to be the highest priority for the school.”

Mr Savage claimed in his online resume that he started his education career in 2009 and worked at Mundubbera State School, Kingaroy State High School, Glenmore State High School, Babinda State School, Middlemount Community School, Indooroopilly State High School and Rochedale State High School before joining Lowood State High School in 2019.

Mr Savage was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Schoolteacher Christopher Gerald Savage suspended after child exploitation material allegations