Power to expel students for poor behaviour outside school criticised as adding to Victorian educators’ workload

Authority for principals to expel or suspend students when behaviour outside school or online puts students or staff ‘at serious risk’ brings Victoria into line with NSW and South Australia. Photograph: Lbeddoe/Alamy

Victorian school principals will soon have the power to suspend or expel students for their behaviour outside school, in a move that has been described as “putting more pressure” on overworked educators.

The state education minister, Ben Carroll, on Wednesday announced the expanded authority for principals to use when “harmful behaviour” outside school and online puts other students and staff “at serious risk”. It will come into effect from term three.