AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

REGULATIONS UNDER THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY SCHOOLS AUTHORITY ORDINANCE 1976

No. 11 of 1978

Section 57 of the Ordinance provides for the making of regulations for carrying out or giving effect to the Ordinance.  Part VII (Sections 36 to 49 inclusive) relates to the establishment, functions and powers of school boards the membership of which is determined by election except in the cases of the principal who is an ex-officio member and also in the case of the Schools Authority appointee.

The accompanying Regulations prescribe the procedures to be adopted for the election of teachers’ representatives, parents’ and citizens’ representatives and students’ representatives.  The Regulations provide detailed guidance for the various bodies who are to elect representatives and also describe the responsibilities of the Schools Authority and school principals in ensuring that requirements are met in relation to the calling of electoral meetings and the conduct of the elections themselves.

The Authority also has the power to inquire into alleged improprieties or irregularities in the conduct of elections.  It may declare an election void and direct that a new election be held if it is satisfied that such improprieties or irregularities might have affected the result of an election.