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❓ Dr. Constable asks about the frequency of initial explanations from educators being sufficient to close complaints without full investigation by the Department of Education and Training's Complaints Management Unit (CMU). The answer details complaint handling processes and outcomes.

AnsweredQoN 2875Legislative Assembly

Asked

1 June 2004

Member

Dr E. Constable

Portfolio

Education and Training

QuestionView source ↗

In how many cases has an initial letter of explanation from a teacher or administrator been sufficient for the Department of Education and Training’s Complaints Management Unit to decide against a full investigation of a complaint?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

25 August 2004

Responded by

Minister for Education and Training

Response time

85 days

Since the Complaints Management Unit (CMU) became operational in February 2004, approximately 970 complaints have been lodged with or referred to it for consideration. Of this number, 436 have been redirected to the school or district level, as per the Department?s policy for local resolution, where appropriate. 370 complaints were considered through the formal discipline process and in five (5) cases, the respondent?s explanation to the allegation was considered to be an acceptable explanation and the Director General took no further action. The remaining complaints originate from the Ombudsman and were dealt with by CMU on behalf of the Director General, or had previously been dealt with at the local level and had escalated to CMU as the complainant was not satisfied with the management of their complaint at the local level.

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