Four Educators Plead Not Guilty to Assault Charges
Four educators from a school in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, have pleaded not guilty to common assault charges relating to two students. The case was adjourned in Queanbeyan Local Court and is scheduled to return in June. The educators are not currently working at the school, according to official statements.
Court Proceedings and Charges
On Tuesday, lawyers for the four educators entered not guilty pleas on their behalf in Queanbeyan Local Court. The educators did not appear in person.
The charges, announced by NSW Police in March, stem from a joint investigation involving community justice in Queanbeyan and the NSW Department of Education. The police allege the incidents involved two students, aged 9 and 10, and occurred between August 2024 and June 2025.
The specific charges are:
- A 46-year-old man faces three counts of common assault. Police allege he assaulted one boy on two separate occasions and assaulted another boy on one occasion.
- A 38-year-old man and two women, aged 65 and 63, each face one count of common assault against one of the boys. Police allege these incidents occurred between February and June 2025.
Source 2 identifies one of the accused as the school's principal. The names of the educators and the school cannot be published for legal reasons. All accused are on bail.
Official Response and School Status
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education confirmed the four staff members are not currently working at the school. The department reported the matter to its Professional and Ethical Standards directorate and stated it is working with NSW Police on the investigation.
In a statement, a department spokesperson described the allegations as "deeply concerning" and said, "Behaviour of this kind is unacceptable in any school."
The department stated the school remains appropriately staffed to ensure support and continuity of learning for students.
The case is next listed for Queanbeyan Local Court in June.