Teacher suspension continued for unacceptable harm to children risk

The following is a summary of a recent decision made by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) regarding a Queensland teacher’s registration. All names have been removed.

The full decision can be viewed on the Supreme Court Library Queensland website .

QCAT has determined to continue the suspension of a teacher’s registration, after resolving whether they posed an unacceptable risk of harm to children.

The decision was made following a review of the teacher’s suspension, initiated by the QCT in April 2025.

The suspension was based on allegations the teacher used a school form to write a mock report characterising their former partner as a primary school student in their class. The school form was supposed to be used as a means of informing parents and carers about student conduct issues. The teacher’s mock report graphically described sexual overtures and explicit sexual acts as "consequences" for conduct. A photograph of the report was sent to their former partner via text message during a school break.

Further sexualised text messages, including references to the teacher’s sexual arousal,were exchanged during class time. The QCT noted the physical presence of the hard copy mock report on school grounds, where it could potentially be seen by a primary school student.

The teacher did not dispute the allegations and acknowledged their “one error in judgement”. They submitted that they did not pose an unacceptable risk of harm to students, stating the messages were private, not for public or classroom settings, and they never sexualised minors or fantasised about students. The teacher also mentioned their positive professional reputation and commitment to student safety.

QCAT was not satisfied the teacher does not pose an unacceptable risk of harm to children, noting the teacher’s attempts to minimise their behaviour reflected a lack of insight. QCAT highlighted that the mock report envisioned their former partner as a primary school student engaged in graphic sexual acts, with disciplinary actions framed in a teacher-student context.

QCAT also considered that the messages were composed and sent during class time, and there was a potential risk, even if small, that a student might have seen the original mock report.

The teacher may apply for QCAT to review the decision and provide additional information to support a submission that he does not pose an unacceptable risk of harm to children.

Glossary of terms

Suspension:
In certain circumstances the QCT may suspend a teacher’s registration. Suspension means a teacher is unable to teach in a school while suspended.

Harm:
Harm to a child is defined as any detrimental effect of a significant nature on the child’s physical, psychological, or emotional wellbeing.

Background

The QCT refers serious practice and conduct matters to QCAT.

QCAT makes decisions on the matters, including any disciplinary action to be taken against a teacher. The QCT enacts these decisions.

QCAT is an independent tribunal that resolves disputes on a range of matters and is part of the Courts and Tribunals division within the Department of Justice.

Visit the QCT practice and conduct matters webpage for more information about our role in the process.