SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS
Supporting schools, governing councils and state education through training, advice and advocacy
Education Matters
Part of SAASSO’s service to its members and the public school parents of South Australia is to keep you informed of the current issues and events influencing education in our state.
Click on the issue that interests you for all the latest news.
Education Ombudsman Bill
Members of the SAASSO board were recently invited to meet with the Hon Robert Brokenshire MLC to discuss his proposal to establish an Education Ombudsman.
An Ombudsman is an independent official who examines the activity of a government agency or department, in the interest of the public and is empowered to investigate complaints regarding improper behaviour by such a department.
There are many distinct Ombudsman – both federal and state – specifically appointed to protect the public interest.
There is an Ombudsman for nearly every area of public service ... but not education.
Mr Brokenshire is introducing an Amendment Bill, which will make the existence of an Education Ombudsman part of the Education Act.
The Ombudsman would have the powers of a Royal Commission and be appointed by the Governor of South Australia.
You can read the Education (Ombudsman and School Discipline) Amendment Bill 2008) above.
You can also read the speech presented by the Hon R.L Brokenshire in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 March 2009 - outlining the need for an independent education watchdog.