The ACT Human Rights Commission (HRC), following an investigation into the expulsion of the Jayatilaka children from BCC, has publicly published their report regarding 'the provision of a service for a child or young person by Brindabella Christian College'.
In the report the HRC finds that 'we are of the view that the decision to not allow the two brothers to re-enrol at BCC in 2020 is inconsistent with the National Principles of Child Safe Organisations, and the school did not appropriately provide a service for children and young people'.
Key HRC findings include:
- Service for children and young people was not provided appropriately
- BCC acted inconsistently with the National Principles of Child Safe Organisations
- Victimisation occurred, which is contrary to the HRC Act.
Furthermore, the report calls on BCC as well as the ACT Government and ACT Education Directorate to make changes to policies and legislation and seeks initial responses to its recommendations from all parties within 60 days.
In an ABC interview, HRC Commissioner Karen Toohey said that 'BCC had snubbed opportunities to be involved in the investigation.' She said 'she hoped with the release of its report, the school would now speak to the agency' but 'warned the Human Rights Commission had powers to enforce its recommendations if the school continued not to cooperate'.
A full copy of the HRC report can be found at: https://hrc.act.gov.au/final-report-to-a-complaint-brought-to-the-act-human-rights-commission-regarding-the-provision-of-a-service-for-a-child-or-young-person-by-brindabella-christian-college/
The ABC article can be viewed at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-23/brindabella-christian-college-excluded-boys-human-rights-review/13083730
A Canberra Times article can be viewed at: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7095743/human-rights-commission-slams-brindabella-christian-college-for-expelling-brothers/
A RiotAct article can be viewed at: https://the-riotact.com/human-rights-commission-says-brindabella-college-breached-multiple-child-safety-principles/434526