Education Act 2016

The Registration Board may suspend the registration of a system of non-government schools for a period not exceeding 6 months – if satisfied that – any registered system school which is a member of the system no longer meets the standards for registration of a non-government school; or the approved authority, or a registered system school which is a member of the system, is not complying with any condition to which the registration of the system or the school's registration is subject; or the approved authority is not adequately performing its functions; or the approved authority, or the governing body of a registered system school which is a member of the system, has failed to comply with a requirement made under section 194; or it is in the best interests of the students at any one or more of the schools which are members of the system of non-government schools to do so; or following the cancellation of the registration of a registered system school which is a member of the system if 7 or more registered system schools remain as members of the system; or for any reason prescribed by the regulations.

In determining whether or not to suspend the registration of a system of non-government schools, the Registration Board – is to consider any reports provided by the Registrar under Division 6 in relation to the system or any school which is a member of the system; and may take into account any information it considers relevant including, but not limited to, the suspension or cancellation of the registration of any registered school which is a member of the system; and is to allow the approved authority a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions in relation to the matter; and if the suspension or cancellation of the registration of a registered system school, or the operation or conditions of a registered system school, is relevant to the determination, is to allow the governing body of the school a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions in relation to the matter; and must consider any submissions made under paragraph (c) or (d).

On suspending the registration of a system of non-government schools, the Registration Board, in writing, is to notify – the approved authority for the system, and each of the governing bodies of the registered schools which are members of the system of – the suspension; and the period for which the registration is suspended; and the reasons for the suspension; and the Secretary of the department of the Commonwealth government having responsibilities in relation to education and training of the suspension and the date on which it takes effect.

The suspension of the registration of a system of non-government schools takes effect on the day specified in notice provided to the approved authority and governing bodies under subsection (3).

If the registration of a system of non-government schools is suspended, the schools which were members of the system immediately before the suspension – continue to be registered non-government schools during the period of suspension; and are to be treated during that period as if they were registered, under Division 3, as individual non-government schools.