Ex-teacher Mark Cummins slams State Opposition for dropping the ball on education sector concerns

Ex-teacher Mark Cummins says he is “disgusted” with the State’s Opposition for showing little interest in achieving a better outcome for school students across WA.

The comments came after a recent standing committee decision not to proceed with a parliamentary inquiry into the Margaret River-based former teacher’s claims of “systemic failure” within the wider education sector around key guidelines for students’ mental health.

Mr Cummins was supported in his efforts by South West Liberal MLC Steve Thomas, but he reserved his criticism for shadow education minister Peter Rundle.

“When I spoke with Peter Rundle he hadn’t even read the submissions,” Mr Cummins told the Times.

“Absolutely pathetic.”

The veteran teacher has since started a private business after finding it impossible to secure work as a relief teacher after speaking out.

He said the Opposition was only motivated by political gain and once the standing committee decided not to proceed with an inquiry into his concerns many schools were not following protocols known as the School Response and Planning Guidelines for Students with Suicidal Behaviour and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, the Opposition dropped the case.

Mr Rundle declined to bite on claims he hadn’t reviewed the committee decision nor submissions from the Education Department, Catholic Education WA, and the WA Independent Schools Association.

He instead said he was disappointed in the committee decision and “to see the Government refuse an inquiry into the education system, particularly the guidelines for students’ mental wellbeing”.

“The McGowan Labor Government, particularly the Education Minister, must to listen to the community and the needs of our students,” Mr Rundle said.

“Clearly there is a very serious problem with handling mental health issues in schools which must be addressed.”

While pledging to continue working with stakeholders to produce an outcome, Mr Rundle did not respond to questions about funding allocated to CEWA for those guidelines, but not made available to public schools.

Dr Thomas told the Times he was “saddened” the ex-teacher sought to “denigrate” the Opposition’s efforts “presumably because the outcome was not exactly what he wanted”.

The MP pointed to committee submissions showing the concerns raised by Mr Cummins were firmly on the education sector’s radar, though claims of systemic failures were refuted.

“These are good outcomes from the effort Mr Cummins and the Opposition have made to raise awareness of the issue,” Dr Thomas said.

“I was focused on getting improvement in the education system, which I think has been achieved, rather than seeking punishment or retribution for anyone’s failure.”

Dr Thomas also noted “factual and important” news reporting on Mr Cummins’ concerns was in progress before the Opposition got involved after the Times contacted him for comment.