Disturbing photos of a cage which was used to restrain a young boy in a Canberra school earlier this year have this week been released.
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The two metre by two metre cage made from blue pool fencing was paid for using school funds at a cost of $5195, and included a roof and door which was able to be latched shut. The cage was approved by the school’s Principal at the time as a method of restraining a male student with autism.
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Earlier this week Joy Burch the ACT Education Minister stated the cage was “disgusting” and confirmed the school’s principal was the sole individual responsible for giving the go ahead to it’s construction. The cage was in place for 14 days before being pulled apart in March following a directive from the ACT Education and Training Directorate and the Principal was later stood down from her position and banned from teaching in a government school again – however she has continued to work for the ACT Education and Training Directorate.
Ms Burch has criticised the release these new photos stating: “Publishing [these photos do] not assist in getting to the truth or add any more insight as to why it was constructed” and believes these new photos will cause further emotional upheaval to all of those involved. Ms Burch also addressed complaints which have been circulating regarding the length of time taken to complete the investigation into how the cage came to be constructed and said “The length of time this has taken did not meet community expectations or my expectations as minister” and went on to direct anyone who does have any queries regarding the investigation and outcome to visit the Education and Training Directorate website.
