Corpun file 17161

The Age, Melbourne, 16 December 2005

Corporal punishment well and truly going

By Shane Green

CORPORAL punishment will be outlawed in all Victorian schools under the new Education Act.

While banned in Government and Catholic schools, the existing legislation still made it legal in independent schools. But under the new legislation, a school can be registered only if it does not permit corporal punishment and has discipline policies based on "procedural fairness".

Education Minister Lynne Kosky said it was time "this outmoded practice was outlawed".

Opposition education spokesman Victor Perton said the move would not make a big difference in most schools. He said he was disappointed the Government had not provided more protection for teachers from assault by intruders or students.

Only a handful of independent schools are believed to still use corporal punishment.

One school prepared to discuss the issue, the independent Frank Dando Sports Academy, said yesterday it was relaxed about the change.

English teacher Evelyn Dando said the school, which deals with students with behavioural problems, had been phasing out corporal punishment, and the change "made no difference".

Copyright © 2005. The Age Company Ltd.