Monday, December 06, 2010

Peanut Allergy Death Echoes Hamidur Rahman

This is close to the Hamidur Rahman issue. It sounds like Scotch College are doing the right thing whereas the Department of Ed and the ALP are covering up Hamidur's death.

A LAWYER representing Scotch College staff, at an inquest into the death of a student who died from a peanut allergy while on a cadet camp, has asked that they be excused from giving evidence on the grounds of self incrimination.
Nathan Francis, 13, died after suffering a severe allergic reaction to peanut during a school army cadet camp in the Wombat State Forest on March 30, 2007.
He had eaten a ration pack meal containing beef satay.
A 10-day inquest begun today before coroner Audrey Jamieson into Nathan’s death.
Jeremy Ruskin QC, for the Scotch College staff made submissions to Ms Jamieson for indemnity certificates for the staff members required to give evidence.
“It’s in the interests of justice that the teachers give evidence because it’s at the heart of your inquiry,” Mr Ruskin told the coroner.
His submission on the grounds of self incrimination were made in relation to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2004.

Ms Jamieson is currently considering her decision.
Earlier Mr Ruskin read an apology to Nathan’s parents, Brian and Jessica on behalf of the college.

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