Friday 25 July 2025
The union representing staff in non-government schools welcomes the creditors report into poor governance and mismanagement at Brindabella Christian College.
The report by administrators from Deloitte detailed how the Canberra-based school made questionable decisions such as spending $460,000 on a robot dog and a trip to the United States, yet failed to pay teachers and school staff on time.
“Members will be disappointed but not surprised to see the extent of mismanagement and poor governance outlined in the report,” Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews said.
The administrators found the company behind the school, Brindabella Christian Education Limited, was insolvent from at least January 2021, and company directors may have breached their duties under the Corporations Act on multiple occasions.
The administrators also said political donations of $30,000 to the Liberal party between 2021 and 2024 breached regulations prohibiting registered charities from supporting political parties.
Despite the mismanagement uncovered by the administrators, it is anticipated that creditors will be repaid in full.
Matthews said the union hoped the transfer of ownership of the school to Christian Communities Ministries would allow members to focus on educating and caring for students without worrying about whether they were paid their wages and entitlements in full and on time.
“The union acknowledges the loyalty of members to the school during this difficult period,” Matthews said.
“The union is sure that members will be very relieved that the school is now on a more stable footing under the ownership of CCM.”
Contacts
IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews 0418 272 902
Media: Andrew Taylor 0477 902 040 andrew@ieu.asn.au
The IEUA NSW/ACT Branch represents over 32,000 teachers, principals and support staff in Catholic and independent schools, early childhood centres and post-secondary colleges.
Authorised by Carol Matthews, IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary