King's College Warrnambool principal dismissed after regulators and police investigate conduct allegations

Allister Rouse, principal of King's College Warrnambool in regional Victoria, was dismissed this week after nine years in the role, following allegations of inappropriate behaviour toward some senior students that triggered investigations by two education regulators, an external law firm, and Victoria Police.

The complaints activated mandatory reporting obligations under Victoria's Reportable Conduct Scheme, requiring the school to notify Victoria Police and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). The school also commissioned an external investigation by a Melbourne-based law firm that specialised in reportable conduct matters.

King's College chairman Ian Pech told families in a letter that the investigator's report found Rouse had breached the college's policies and the VIT code of conduct. The school had initially informed families only that Rouse had left the college 'well-positioned to build on growth,' without disclosing the reason for his departure.

Victoria Police's Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation team investigated reports of inappropriate behaviour in April and determined no criminal offence had occurred, referring the matter to the Department of Education, a police spokesperson said. The VIT confirmed it is conducting a regulatory assessment regarding a complaint about the school but declined to comment further. The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), which regulates schools and training colleges, has also launched its own investigation, according to the ABC. The Social Services Regulator is understood to be working with both authorities.

King's College is a kindergarten-to-Year-12 Presbyterian school in Warrnambool, south-western Victoria, with 279 students, established in 1986 by the Warrnambool Presbyterian Church and operated by the non-profit Warrnambool Presbyterian School Ltd. In the last financial year the school received $4.7 million in Commonwealth grants, $842,544 in state government funding, and $1.4 million in school fees. Rouse joined the school as principal in 2017, having previously served as deputy principal of Flinders Christian College in Carrum Downs and Director of Teaching at Waverley Christian College in Wantirna South. He remains registered as a teacher with the VIT.

• The source does not state the specific nature of the alleged inappropriate behaviour toward students.
• The source does not state how many students or families made complaints.
• The source does not state what findings, if any, the VRQA investigation has reached or when it is expected to conclude.
• The source does not state whether the Department of Education has taken any action following the referral from Victoria Police.
• The source does not state what steps, if any, the VIT may take regarding Rouse's teacher registration.
• The source does not state the precise date this week on which Rouse was dismissed.

1. ABC News Australia — original

Read the original at ABC News Australia

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