Senator apologises to school

Teacher Dean Newbold and parent representative Greg White were abused by Bill Heffernan.

by Henry Rajendra

Senator Bill Heffernan has apologised to a public school principal for his abusive behaviour and offered his support for the school's campaign for additional resources.

Rooty Hill High School Federation Representative Dean Newbold and parent representative Greg White travelled to Canberra on August 15 to lobby eight NSW Senators in support of the public education campaign.

For their last appointment, booked with Senator Marise Payne, they were greeted by Senator Payne and Senator Bill Heffernan sitting on a lounge intending to take part in the meeting.

Expecting to discuss the funding needs of Rooty Hill High School, Mr Newbold and Mr White were instead the targets of an abusive and offensive tirade from Senator Heffernan.

Mr Newbold said that in response to the school representatives' explanation of the lack of teaching and learning resources at the school, "Mr Heffernan had said don't give me that s**t and also asked what are you f**king doing about it?

"He further went on to say, if you have resourcing issues at your or any other school, then you should not use proper Department of Education channels, send letters or approach politicians, but instead take immediate industrial action to force the state government to act.

"Senator Heffernan continued to interject, using the foulest language and the most derisive and bullying manner," Mr Newbold added.

The following day Dean Newbold wrote a letter of complaint to the Prime Minister.

Mr Newbold's letter to Mr Howard said in part: "His [Senator Heffernan] behaviour was not that of a person who deserves to carry the prefix 'Honourable' before their name as an elected representative of the citizens of New South Wales.

"As teachers, we educate our students not to engage in this kind of insulting and bullying behaviour. We are proud that the values and standards within our public school communities mean that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable."

Also: "I request that you investigate this matter and ensure that no other Australian citizen is treated in such an offensive manner anywhere, and certainly not within the walls of our Federal Parliament."

Within an hour of the Prime Minister receiving the complaint by facsimile, Senator Heffernan phoned the school to make amends and apologise for his behaviour.

Senator Heffernan spoke to the principal, apologising for his abusive behaviour and offered his support for the school's campaign for additional resources. In doing so he provided his mobile telephone number for when the school needed his assistance.

The school has since written to Senator Heffernan listing their resource demands totalling $3.6 million. The letter indicated to Senator Heffernan: "We hope to have your reply by Wednesday 29 August 2007 so we can make a decision on any further action necessary to ensure our school community is given the priority it deserves."

Congratulations must go to the Rooty Hill High School community, in particular Federation Representative Dean Newbold and parent representative Greg White for their lobbying efforts and wish them well for their ongoing campaign.

Henry Rajendra is a City Organiser.

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Last Modified: 30 Aug 2007