- Bullying inquiry 'badly flawed'
- By Carmel Egan
- The Age
- 17/05/2009 Make a Comment
- Contributed by: The Rooster ( 258 articles in 2009 )
THE Education Department has grossly mishandled an inquiry into bullying allegations against a high-profile Melbourne primary school principal, an ombudsman has found.
A damning report into the case has concluded the department breached the principal's privacy, its investigation was compromised by a conflict of interest and its complaints handling procedures were unfair and contrary to its own legislative guidelines.
The Ombudsman recommended the department apologise in writing to the principal, Marg U'ren, for compromising her privacy by revealing to a newspaper that she was under investigation for alleged bullying.
It also recommended regional director Wayne Craig be removed from his role as investigating officer. It is believed Mrs U'ren and Mr Craig had a strained professional relationship before he took charge of the bullying inquiry in February last year.
Mrs U'ren, the former principal of Hurstbridge Primary School, has been suspended on full pay throughout the 16-month inquiry into an initially anonymous letter accusing her of bullying and intimidating staff.
The long-running dispute has divided the Hurstbridge school community, with parents complaining about the tactics used by detractors and supporters of Mrs U'ren.
The Ombudsman's report, completed in December but not released publicly, recommended:
- A regional director other than Wayne Craig be appointed to complete the investigation and decide whether the complaint against Mrs U'ren was upheld.
- The department update its guidelines for managing complaints to accurately reflect current legislation.
- The department review its guidelines so public servants under investigation "have their complaint dealt with by an officer not previously involved in the matter".
- The department review its management of anonymous complaints.
- The department apologise to Mrs U'ren for breaching her privacy.
In an emailed response to questions about Mrs U'ren's case, a departmental spokeswoman said "an investigation of any allegation takes time".
"While the department recognises this has been a lengthy investigation, it makes no apologies for ensuring the process is fair, meticulous and conducted with integrity for all parties involved," the spokeswoman said.
"The department has acted on the recommendations of the Ombudsman."
But according to supporters of Mrs U'ren, no apology has been issued, she does not know if Mr Craig has been removed, and has no idea what her future holds.
Supporter Scott Whiteman said: "The investigation should be abandoned, Marg should return to Hurstbridge Primary and the department should issue an apology.
"Marg and our community need the department to be brought to account for the injustice caused by the handling of this issue."
Opposition education spokesman Martin Dixon said the department's treatment of Mrs U'ren was appalling.
"We should at least have some assurance Wayne Craig has no further part to play in the investigation," Mr Dixon said.
"There is no way known this sort of investigation should have taken this long.
"The department has painted itself into a corner and is now trying to cover its tracks or wear Marg U'ren and the community that supports her down.
"They are just hoping it will go away."
A damning report into the case has concluded the department breached the principal's privacy, its investigation was compromised by a conflict of interest and its complaints handling procedures were unfair and contrary to its own legislative guidelines.
The Ombudsman recommended the department apologise in writing to the principal, Marg U'ren, for compromising her privacy by revealing to a newspaper that she was under investigation for alleged bullying.
It also recommended regional director Wayne Craig be removed from his role as investigating officer. It is believed Mrs U'ren and Mr Craig had a strained professional relationship before he took charge of the bullying inquiry in February last year.
Mrs U'ren, the former principal of Hurstbridge Primary School, has been suspended on full pay throughout the 16-month inquiry into an initially anonymous letter accusing her of bullying and intimidating staff.
The long-running dispute has divided the Hurstbridge school community, with parents complaining about the tactics used by detractors and supporters of Mrs U'ren.
The Ombudsman's report, completed in December but not released publicly, recommended:
- A regional director other than Wayne Craig be appointed to complete the investigation and decide whether the complaint against Mrs U'ren was upheld.
- The department update its guidelines for managing complaints to accurately reflect current legislation.
- The department review its guidelines so public servants under investigation "have their complaint dealt with by an officer not previously involved in the matter".
- The department review its management of anonymous complaints.
- The department apologise to Mrs U'ren for breaching her privacy.
In an emailed response to questions about Mrs U'ren's case, a departmental spokeswoman said "an investigation of any allegation takes time".
"While the department recognises this has been a lengthy investigation, it makes no apologies for ensuring the process is fair, meticulous and conducted with integrity for all parties involved," the spokeswoman said.
"The department has acted on the recommendations of the Ombudsman."
But according to supporters of Mrs U'ren, no apology has been issued, she does not know if Mr Craig has been removed, and has no idea what her future holds.
Supporter Scott Whiteman said: "The investigation should be abandoned, Marg should return to Hurstbridge Primary and the department should issue an apology.
"Marg and our community need the department to be brought to account for the injustice caused by the handling of this issue."
Opposition education spokesman Martin Dixon said the department's treatment of Mrs U'ren was appalling.
"We should at least have some assurance Wayne Craig has no further part to play in the investigation," Mr Dixon said.
"There is no way known this sort of investigation should have taken this long.
"The department has painted itself into a corner and is now trying to cover its tracks or wear Marg U'ren and the community that supports her down.
"They are just hoping it will go away."
Source: https://www.theage.com.au/national/bullying-inquiry-badly-flawed-20090516-b6tf.html?page=-1
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