The recent case of Brindabella has prompted an urgent need for all independent schools to review and update their enrolment contracts and complaints policies. In that case, the Human Rights Commission highlighted the need to ensure that a school’s enrolment agreement and complaints policies are consistent with the National Principles of Child Safe Organisations and the relevant Discrimination and the Education Act. To assist schools in their urgent review of their own documentation, this session will:

• Explain the factual matrix of Brindabella, the rationale behind the decision and the potential broader ramifications on schools in other states
• Outline how schools can ensure students and families are afforded procedural fairness and can participate in decisions
• Provide an overview of relevant consumer law provisions applicable to schools and what standards need to be met
• Workshop possible alternative wording for schools to consider for contracts and policy documentation to address the issues raised in this case