Statement by Minister for Education and Training on the Alleged Weapon at Clifton Hunter High School

The following statement is issued to the public by Hon. Rolston Anglin on the alleged weapon at Clifton Hunter High School.

Parents and students of Clifton Hunter High School and the wider community:

Yesterday, while in Parliament, I became aware of a potentially serious incident at the Clifton Hunter High School. Once the matter was brought to the attention of the RCIPS Community Liaison Officer stationed at the school, immediate and swift action was taken by the principal and her staff. This led to the RCIPS sending a specialised canine unit, trained to detect firearms to the campus to search the premises for the alleged weapon.

I spoke to the Commissioner of Police who informed me that in addition to the special canine unit, other types of searches had been carried out and students interviewed. He reported that no weapon was detected.

Following discussions with the Commissioner of Police and the Premier late last night, the Commissioner confirmed he would deploy additional resources to the school today. These will include additional police onsite and a presence by the firearms response unit. These extra measures of security are to ensure that our Clifton Hunter High School community – students, staff and parents – are afforded the assurance that the Government is taking extra precautions for their safety.

In addition, to the increased security measures, counsellors have been deployed to the school to support students and staff where needed. Members of the Ministry of Education and Training and Department of Education Services’ leadership teams are also at the school to meet with the principal and chart the way forward.

I want to make it clear to staff, parents, students and the general public that the Ministry of Education & Training and the wider Government consider this to be extremely serious and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

As Minister, I remain fully committed to ensuring our schools are safe environments where students can learn and thrive. The safety and well-being of all students and staff will always be a top priority