❓ Dr. Pettitt questions the Education Minister regarding governance issues at Servite College, specifically concerning the influence of the Order of Servites and the recent removal of the principal. The Minister acknowledges awareness and ongoing enquiries by the Department of Education.
AnsweredQoN 688Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Does the Department
of Education require the constitutions of all non-government schools with the
requirements set out in the School Education Regulations 2000 (WA) and
the Registration Standards and Other Requirements for Non-Government Schools
(WA) ? (2) Has the Department of Education reviewed whether the Constitution of the Servite College Council, a registered non-government school, complies with the governance and accountability requirements set out in the School Education Regulations 2000 (WA) and the Registration Standards and Other Requirements for Non-Government Schools (WA) ? (3) Is the Minister aware that the current Constitution
of the Servite College Council: (a) enables the Provincial Delegate of the Order of
Servites or the Prior Provincial (who resides in the United States of America) the ability to veto
any resolution passed by the Council; (b) the Provincial Delegate is also a Council member
and also appointed to the role of Prior; and (c) that any change to the Constitution must be
approved by the Provincial Delegate or the Prior Provincial? (4) Has the Department received any report, complaints
or expressions of concern regarding the control of the Order of Servites in
relation to the governance of Servite College, including whether the School Council
is able to exercise its functions independently and in the best interests of
the school and its students? (5) Is the Minister aware of the recent removal of the
principal at Servite College and the process followed by the Provincial
Delegate in making that decision? (6) Can the Minister advise if the Provincial
Delegate’s conduct in removing the Principal was consistent with the Registration
Standards for Non-Government Schools (WA) , including the requirement for
transparent, accountable, and procedurally fair governance? (7) What steps does the Department of Education take to
ensure that the governing bodies of non-government schools operate
independently of undue influence from external religious entities? (8) Does the Department of Education
intend to take any action in relation to recent governance issues at Servite
College, and if so what?
of Education require the constitutions of all non-government schools with the
requirements set out in the School Education Regulations 2000 (WA) and
the Registration Standards and Other Requirements for Non-Government Schools
(WA) ? (2) Has the Department of Education reviewed whether the Constitution of the Servite College Council, a registered non-government school, complies with the governance and accountability requirements set out in the School Education Regulations 2000 (WA) and the Registration Standards and Other Requirements for Non-Government Schools (WA) ? (3) Is the Minister aware that the current Constitution
of the Servite College Council: (a) enables the Provincial Delegate of the Order of
Servites or the Prior Provincial (who resides in the United States of America) the ability to veto
any resolution passed by the Council; (b) the Provincial Delegate is also a Council member
and also appointed to the role of Prior; and (c) that any change to the Constitution must be
approved by the Provincial Delegate or the Prior Provincial? (4) Has the Department received any report, complaints
or expressions of concern regarding the control of the Order of Servites in
relation to the governance of Servite College, including whether the School Council
is able to exercise its functions independently and in the best interests of
the school and its students? (5) Is the Minister aware of the recent removal of the
principal at Servite College and the process followed by the Provincial
Delegate in making that decision? (6) Can the Minister advise if the Provincial
Delegate’s conduct in removing the Principal was consistent with the Registration
Standards for Non-Government Schools (WA) , including the requirement for
transparent, accountable, and procedurally fair governance? (7) What steps does the Department of Education take to
ensure that the governing bodies of non-government schools operate
independently of undue influence from external religious entities? (8) Does the Department of Education
intend to take any action in relation to recent governance issues at Servite
College, and if so what?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 November 2025
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Education
Response time
8 days
Answer
1. Yes
2. Yes
3 – 5. Yes. While I am not aware of the specific details of the Servite constitution, I am advised that the Department of Education, the appropriate regulatory authority in these circumstances, is aware of these matters and is duly making a range of enquiries.
6. It would not be appropriate to make comment while enquiries are ongoing.
7. The Department of Education examines compliance with section 160(1)(b) of the School Education Act 1999 . In assessing compliance with this section of the Act, the Department may also consider, in relation to section 160(1)(a), whether or not a constitution ultimately vests ownership, management and control of the school with the governing body of the school.
8. Please refer to response to question 3. Enquiries are ongoing.
1. Yes
2. Yes
3 – 5. Yes. While I am not aware of the specific details of the Servite constitution, I am advised that the Department of Education, the appropriate regulatory authority in these circumstances, is aware of these matters and is duly making a range of enquiries.
6. It would not be appropriate to make comment while enquiries are ongoing.
7. The Department of Education examines compliance with section 160(1)(b) of the School Education Act 1999 . In assessing compliance with this section of the Act, the Department may also consider, in relation to section 160(1)(a), whether or not a constitution ultimately vests ownership, management and control of the school with the governing body of the school.
8. Please refer to response to question 3. Enquiries are ongoing.
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