In an exchange during question time today Associate Minister of Education David Benson-Pope denied opposition
allegations that he used tennis balls to discipline students during his time teaching at Bayfield High School.
Mr Benson-Pope, a former teacher and currently the Minister responsible for the compulsory school sector, was asked by
ACT Leader Rodney Hide if would resign if allegations that he had thrown tennis balls at students and stuffed them in
student's mouths to keep them quiet turned out to be correct.
Mr Benson-Pope denied the allegations absolutely and said he had never been subject to disciplinary proceedings as a
teacher.
He further suggested that if the allegations were true then they should be taken to the New Zealand police as such
conduct by a teacher would be illegal.
The exchange came up during a discussion of cyber-bullying.
ENDS