Boxing champ Danny Green steps into the ring for Mark Cummins crusade in education sector

Ex-champion boxer Danny Green has taken a swing at the State Government in support of Margaret River-based teacher Mark Cummins’ petitioning calling for a Parliamentary inquiry into schools’ adherence to key mental health guidelines.

Since the Times broke the story in June that the former St Mary MacKillop College teacher wanted an inquiry into schools allegedly failing to follow protocols known as the School Response and Planning Guidelines for Students with Suicidal Behaviour and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Mr Cummins’ story has garnered increasing media attention and political support.

Green was a former school friend of the local teacher and shared the petition this week with his thousands of social media followers.

“This is a good friend of mine who has hit red tape brick walls — not surprised one f...... bit — and kids are taking their own lives,” the star said.

“He is simply trying to stop more young children from killing themselves.

“Come on WA Government. You need to look harder at this.”

Mr Cummins said he was humbled and grateful at the strong response his petition calling for a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr Cummins and three other staff members recently resigned from MacKillop after the death of a student last year, claiming it failed to notify parents or put risk-management plans in place when students disclosed thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Mr Cummins said he has since discovered staff at many other schools were also unaware of the guidelines.

“Some of the stories I am receiving are absolutely heartbreaking,” he said.

“Primary kids, secondary kids, private schools, State schools — all playing Russian roulette with our kids’ lives.

“No transparency, no accountability, no compliance to or knowledge of suicidal behaviour/self-harm guidelines.

“Every story is important and I will make sure it won’t be in vain.”

Education Minister Sue Ellery has already directed the Education Department to liaise with Catholic Education WA, which administers MacKillop, to investigate Mr Cummins’ concerns.

Mr Cummins wants a full parliamentary inquiry because he believes failure to adhere to the guidelines is endemic, and comes amid inadequate support and training for mental health issues in schools.

Mr Cummins said colleagues across the wider South West education sector were facing burnout and stress due to the increasing demands from students’ mental health needs.

South West Opposition MP Steve Thomas told the Times student welfare was an issue of concern to all.

“Both Mark and I agree that it is most important to see the proper protocols applied at all WA schools, and I will do what I can to see that this occurs,” he said.