28 February 2002

Mr Denis Fitzgerald, Federal President of the Australian Education Union, said today:

"Teacher leaders from across Australia will meet in Melbourne next month to consider a proposal to deem the present Governor-General an unsuitable person to invite into any public school in Australia."

"With the lingering controversy surrounding comments made by Dr Hollingworth, the presence of the Governor General within schools is likely to be highly controversial and potentially disturbing for some children."

"Teachers in public schools have very great responsibilities in terms of child protection and educating young people as to their rights and security. Teachers are concerned that the presence of the current Governor-General might send mixed messages to children given the highly regrettable remarks he has recently made which run totally counter to what students are taught in public schools. It is understood that a large number of teachers and education authorities hold concerns in relation to the matter."

"The Federal Executive of the Australian Education Union, which represents 155,000 teachers from all parts of Australia will meet and review progress in the constitutional crisis and consider sending advice to the teaching profession as to the most appropriate course of action. It might eventuate that the present Governor-General will be persona non grata in the nation's schools."

"Over 2.2 million children attend public schools in Australia. Their welfare must be our first priority."

Contact:
AEU Federal President, Denis Fitzgerald on mobile 0416 254 154