We are calling for an urgent, independent investigation into serious and ongoing concerns regarding student safety, inclusion practices, and systemic failures at Berrinba East State School.

This issue is deeply personal to me. As a parent and advocate connected to neurodivergent and First Nations children, I have seen firsthand the gap between what inclusion is meant to look like and what is occurring in practice. The impact of inadequate adjustments, misunderstanding of student needs, and dismissive responses has real and lasting consequences for children and families—including my own.

🔍 The Core Issues

While concerns have been raised regarding bullying, these reflect broader systemic issues, including:

Failure to consistently provide reasonable adjustments for students with disability

Lack of alignment with inclusive education principles in daily practice

Limited implementation of trauma-informed approaches to behaviour and support

Inadequate culturally responsive support for First Nations students

A reactive, compliance-based approach to behaviour rather than proactive support

High staff turnover and burnout impacting student safety and continuity

Insufficient capability and training in supporting complex and neurodivergent learners

⚠️ Culture, Leadership, and Accountability

Concerns also extend to school culture and leadership practices, including:

Dismissal or minimisation of parent and carer concerns

Lack of procedural fairness, transparency, and clear communication

Inconsistent responses to incidents impacting student safety

A perceived culture that prioritises institutional protection over student wellbeing

💔 Impact on Students and Families

These systemic failures are resulting in:

Ongoing emotional distress and harm to students

Escalation of behaviours due to unmet needs and lack of early intervention

Reduced access to education through exclusion, disengagement, or unsafe environments

Erosion of trust between families and the school

📢 What We Are Calling For

We request:

An independent investigation into student safety, inclusion practices, and complaint handling

Review of compliance with:

Inclusive education policy

Disability standards and reasonable adjustment obligations

Student behaviour and safety frameworks

Assessment of school culture, leadership, and communication practices

Implementation of trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and culturally responsive approaches

Increased staff training, support, and oversight

Transparent reporting of findings and clear accountability measures

🧭 Why This Matters

Bullying does not occur in isolation—it is often a symptom of broader systemic failure.

Every child has the right to access education safely, equitably, and without discrimination. Inclusion must be reflected not only in policy, but in practice, culture, and leadership.

This is about ensuring that systems designed to protect and support children are functioning as intended.

Families have raised repeated concerns over time regarding inclusion, safety, and communication, with limited resolution. These concerns indicate a pattern rather than isolated incidents and warrant independent review.