About teacher discipline records
A teacher discipline record is made when a teacher is accused of doing something wrong that needs investigation. These records can include:
- letters
- reports
- statements
- details about the incident and its outcomes.
Why these records are important
Discipline records show what steps were taken after the department received an allegation of wrongdoing. They show that the department looked into the issue and, if necessary, took action when someone was found to have engaged in misconduct.
Where these records are kept
Discipline records are kept by the Department of Education. Some older records from the 1860s are at the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV). These records are available to the public if they are over 100 years old.
Accessing teacher discipline records
If you want to see a record, please visit our access teacher discipline records page for guidance.
The department has kept discipline records since the 1860s, but some files may no longer exist. The law requires the keeping of public records was only introduced with Victoria's 1973 Public Records Act.
A brief history of teacher discipline records
The department's way of handling teacher discipline records has changed over time. There are three periods:
1. 1873–1946
The Public Service Board managed teachers, but the department investigated complaints. The department conducted the initial investigation and shared its findings with the Public Service Board. Then, the Board made the final decisions.
2. 1946–1982
Responsibility moved to the Teachers Tribunal. This body was independent and investigated disciplinary issues.
3. 1982–present
The Department of Education resumed complete responsibility for managing and disciplining teachers.
Since the 1990s, people have expected more from the department. People want it to respond quickly and fairly to teacher misconduct. This has led to:
- mandatory reporting for child abuse and neglect, starting in the early 2000s
- the introduction of Child Safe Standards in 2016, after the 2013 Victorian parliamentary report Betrayal of Trust.
These changes help the department protect students and respond better to abuse. They also have stricter rules about keeping records.
Updated