Anthony Albanese has weighed into a primary school canteen’s decision to ban a Year 6 boy because of his mother’s actions, declaring, “Give the kid some lunch”.
During a visit to Perth on Friday, the Prime Minister said he had read the story in The West Australian about the year-long ban on an 11-year-old student at Hocking Primary School.
“Give the kid some lunch,” Mr Albanese said. “Seriously, I did have a read of that. And the kid shouldn’t be caught up in this argument.”
“He’s … a young boy, 11-years-old. A bit of common sense should apply here, and I’m sure that it will.”
Jaxon’s mother, Natalie Durer, has claimed the school parents and citizens group — which runs the canteen — banned him in August last year after she sent them an abusive email accusing staff of incompetence. She has since apologised in writing.
This week, the P&C told her the ban would continue because it had an obligation as an employer to provide a safe working environment, both physically and online.
Education Department staff have tried to mediate, but it cannot direct the P&C, which is an incorporated body in its own right.
Education Minister Tony Buti said on Friday that P&Cs were an incredibly important part of the school system, but the “ridiculous” situation had to be worked out.
“I just want some resolution,” he told Radio 6PR. “I’m always disappointed when there’s dispute or conflict in our education system — particularly between parents and others. It’s just got to be worked out. It’s just ridiculous.”
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said she was surprised the situation had reached its stage and urged those involved to “de-escalate” the situation so common sense could prevail.
“I think it’s surprising that it has escalated to the extent that it has and that adults are not able to work this out,” she said.
“The State Government doesn’t have jurisdiction over P&Cs. It’s important that everyone conducts themselves in a respectful way.“