The ACT's Education Minister Yvette Berry, whose charge involves reducing violence in Canberra schools, has requested her family be kept out of political debates after her son was suspended for fighting outside of school hours.
Ms Berry said she had taken steps to mitigate any perceived conflict of interest in her portfolio, including having no contact with the school about the fight,Over the past year the Government has faced calls for more action on the issue of school violence and bullying from the ACT Opposition.
"While this is largely a private matter, I am conscious of the overlap with my duties as the Minister of Education, and how a conflict of interest may be perceived if it is not actively avoided." Ms Berry said she had instructed the school hat her son's father should be the primary point of contact, and informed the Chief Minister, education directorate, and the Legislative Assembly's ethics and integrity advisor.
"I fully accept that my position in the community means I need to take these actions and make this statement," she said."My family does not need to be brought into political debate."
Hilarious
Kind of judgmental don't you think? Does the writer have kids? Maybe not.
Well done minister, that sets a very good example for parental control, maybe you need to get your own house in order first.
Her son getting suspended isn't the story here, it is the fact there is a 'Minister in charge of reducing violence in Canberra schools.' I would have thought it was incumbent on schools to do what is appropriate to reduce school violence i.e. discipline action for offenders.
Who cares
It’s showing how good and busy she is at her work. No time for her own kids
This is pretty tawdry stuff people.
Irony.
Ironic but hardly her fault. Also funny to be honest
Outing a juvenile? Hopefully you get raked over the coals. Can’t wait for the privatisation
And?
Slightly ironic, but to be fair the minister shouldn't be judged based on what her son does. A lot of kids, good and bad, get into fights at school.
What crap from
ChamberlainDr Boys have always fought. I had heaps of fights at school. 14-0 win loss record. All by knockout
Did both/all combatants get suspended? It would be quite a dare to challenge someone to take on the child of a Minister with this position. abcnews
Shit happens, you can educate but can't control everything your kids do, who knows the circumstances ?
😆 😂 🤭
So, it’s a normal kid? Is that the news?
Delete your entire network.
So?
Ah dear. This has happened to my Grandson and he was the focus of the Bullies. Not allowed to defend yourself either but when he complied and didn't retaliate, a gang of Bullies hunted him down, eventually kicking him in the stomach, legs, buttocks and head. How do you like that?
It is very odd a child would do the opposite to their parent, quite astounding. This kind of headline makes the world a worse place.
I feel for her. Parenting teens is hard, even when you're doing your best. The teen brain is impulsive & immature - & that's even in a neurotypical kid.
Monster_Dome Amazing what you learn going to peaceful protest marches with your mum.
Reminds me of an overseas health minister that was massively fat.
There’s a portfolio for this? What happened to good and decent parenting? Has everyone handed over their responsibilities to technology & the system
Kids are jerks, what can I say?
Monster_Dome Not the best portfolio
Is this news? I'm not sure this is news.
just goes to show, any child can take the wrong path at times