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BCC IN THE MEDIA
Journalism plays a vital role in holding institutions accountable, yet Brindabella Christian College’s Board has repeatedly sought to discredit legitimate scrutiny - using bus advertising campaigns to dismiss local journalism as “fake news” and attacking reporters personally online.
Australian defamation laws require media outlets to rigorously verify their sources and facts before publishing, ensuring accountability and accuracy in reporting.
Despite the criticism and attacks from BCEL, the local media has remained committed to rigorous, fact-based reporting, withstanding costly legal challenges from BCEL while exposing the school’s financial and governance crisis. Read the Canberra Times' Managing Editor’s statement here on the importance of a free press.
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Select the heading below to quickly jump to the relevant news section:
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Current Media - 2025
Current Media - 2025
Canberra Times | 3 May 2025
Former Board Chair claims ATO chasing him personally for BCC debt
ABC TV 7pm News| 18 April 2025
"This has been a very stressful experience, for all concerned, over many years" says BCC Principal.
New Proprietor, CCM, says their "first priority is
to restore certainty and trust to Brindabella".
Administrators name new owners
Canberra Times| 17 April 2025
Debate on Education Bill starts at 52:25
Brindabella's preferred new
operator named.
Region Media | 17 April 2025
Proposed new operator for Brindabella announced after EOI process
ABC News | 17 April 2025
Debate on Education Bill starts at 52:25
Preferred new owner for Brindabella announced soon
Canberra Times | 12 April 2025
Urgent Bill to save Brindabella passes
with amendments
Canberra Times| 10 April 2025
Urgent Amendment Bill 2025 Introduced
Canberra Times| 9 April 2025
Brindabella Buyer Imminent as Urgent Amendment Bill Passes Assembly
Riot Act | 10 April 2025
Government to introduce urgent amendment bill to keep Brindabella operating
Riot Act | 8 April 2025
College Owes Creditors More Than $20m
Canberra Times| 3 April 2025
Administrators reveal next steps
to save Brindabella
Canberra Times| 2 April 2025
Administrators to Shut Down
Brindabella's Charnwood Campus
Riot Act | 2 April 2025
Administrators Secure More Time and Funding to Look for New Owner
Riot Act | 2 April 2025
Key Management Figures Ousted
as Charities Regulator Investigates
Canberra Times| 25 March 2025
ACNC has issued a rare public statement following a Show Cause Notice
MLA Laura Nuttall speaks to ABC's B'fast Ross Solly about those bus ad's!
12 Mar - Laura NuttallRoss Solly B'fast
00:00 / 04:01
Search for new owners for
Brindabella Christian College
Canberra Times | 16 March 2025
Mr Zwajgenberg says the Administrator's were advised who staff ringleaders were
Riot Act | 12 March 2025
Former Board Chair prevented from attending staff and parent meetings
Canberra Times | 12 March 2025
What transpired on the day Brindabella called in Administrators
Canberra Times | 10 March 2025
Read Deloitte Declaration of Appointment here
Next steps for Brindabella:
Administrators to comb through books,
new board....
Riot Act | 9 March 2025
What happens now for
students and staff?
Canberra Times | 7 March 2025
Another reprieve for Brindabella, administrator welcome
as way out of mess
Riot Act | 6 March 2025
ABC TV 7pm News
Federal Funding is not secure -
Administrator Appointed at BCC
6 March 2025 - BCC Coverage @ 12m 54s
Brindabella goes into Administration
Riot Act | 6 March 2025
ABC's Bfast Ross Solly speaks with
Minister Yvette Berry about Deloitte
6 March - 7:20am
Minister Berry 6-3-25Ross Solly B'fast
00:00 / 06:51
ABC's Bfast Radio speaks with ReformBCC about Deloitte appointment
6 March - 6:50am
ABC Radio Reform BCC 6-3-25Ross Solly B'fast
00:00 / 06:39
Brindabella Christian College has
entered voluntary administration
Canberra Times | 5 March 2025
Deloitte says school will operate normally for now
ABC News | 5 March 2025
4th March ABC B'fast with Ross Solly
ReformBCC 4-3-25 ABC copyRoss Solly B'fast
00:00 / 08:53
Brindabella has managed to live and fight another day
Riot Act | 3 March 2025
Board Chair blames 'shadow state actors' for school's situation
Canberra Times | 1 March 2025
While Berry has been reassuring the school community, the feds had already acted, cancelling funding.
Riot Act | 28 Feb 2025
Education officials asked at Senate Estimates to explain what BCC did with a commonwealth $927,000 payment given one week before staff weren't paid.
Australian Financial Review | 28 Feb 2025
Private School in Canberra receives $10 million per year but is ....
The Australian | 28 Feb 2025
The lack of accountability of private school boards was under scrutiny (including BCEL) in
Senate Estimates
Senate Estimates APH | 27 Feb 2025
Dept of Education Officials in Senate Estimates reveal BCEL was notified in January 2025 that their status as the Approved Authority of BCC was revoked.
Senate Estimates APH | 27 Feb 2025
ReformBCC speaks with Ross Solly asking Minister's for urgent intervention
ReformBCC 27-2-25 ABC27 Feb Mornings with Ross Solly 27 Feb 25
00:00 / 04:43
Federal Funding in Jeopardy for BCC
Canberra Times | 28 Feb 2025
Independant Education Union reveals incorrect BCC payslips & no staff pay
Independant education union27 Feb Mornings with Ross Solly 27 Feb 25
00:00 / 05:21
Dr Andrew Leigh - Assistant Minister for Charities and Treasury talks BCC with Ross Solly, ABC Breakfast
Andrew Leigh ABC Radio27 Feb Mornings with Ross Solly 27 Feb 25
00:00 / 03:14
Federal Education Dept reveals moves to close school
Riot Act | 27 Feb 2025
Independent Education Union
Media Release
IEU | 26 Feb 2025
Union takes private school to Fair Work Commission over unpaid wages
ABC News | 26 Feb 2025
Brindabella fears "being another Calvary", alleges government wants to create 'super-school precinct' in Lyneham
Riot Act | 26 Feb 2025
'Another Calvary': Brindabella Chair accuses govt of takeover plot to form superschool
Canberra Times | 26 Feb 2025
It's Not a Normal Independent Christian School: Former Parent Speaks Out
Riot Act | 25 Feb 2025
Brindabella Board Changed Constitution
Canberra Times | 25 Feb 2025
Some Brindabella staff weren't paid in wake of ATO windup action
Canberra Times | 24 Feb 2025
Brindabella Pay Delay & Fair Work Ombudsman making enquiry
ABC TV 7pm News | 24 Feb 2025
(May require 'abciview' sign in)
Some Brindabella staff not paid amid ATO court action
ABC News | 24 Feb 2025
Brindabella College unable to pay
staff on time.
Riot Act | 24 Feb 2025
Board Chair of embattled BCC states case to parents, urging they pay fees.
Riot Act | 23 Feb 2025
Minister hopes to decide on BCC action this week
Canberra Times | 18 Feb 2025
*ACT Legislative Assembly - 6 Feb 2025*
Adjournment Speech by MLA Laura Nuttall,
Member for Brindabella and Education
spokesperson advocating hard for the interests of the BCC Community
Berry considering Brindabella's response
Canberra Times | 6 Feb 2025
Berry insists BCC is being held to account, but no decision yet
Riot Act | 5 Feb 2025
*ACT Legislative Assembly - 4 Feb 2025 *
Education Minister Berry responds to Questions Without Notice from BCC community advocates ACT Greens MLA Laura Nuttall re: assurances sought by ReformBCC
Berry 4-2-25 ACT Assembly
Riot Act | 23 Jan 2025
ReformBCC Survey seeking support
for Education Ministers to act
Canberra Times | 18 Jan 2025
Charnwood campus exodus raises term one questions
Riot Act | 17 Jan 2025
Minister Berry must be prepared to back up her strong statements about BCC
Still no audited financials!
ABC's B'fast - ReformBCC talks with Ross Solly about risks to school community while the Proprietor (BCEL) remains unfit and in place.
ABC David 15-1-25 - CopyRoss Solly
00:00 / 06:00
Canberra Times | 11 Jan 2025
No decision yet on BCC!
ABC's B'fast - Minister Berry says "ACT has not experienced anything like this before and thats why we're being careful with decisions".
Berry on ABC 15-1-25 - CopyRoss Solly
00:00 / 07:27
Riot Act | 10 Jan 2025
Media 2024
Media Coverage - 2024
Decision Time: Brindabella parents
and teachers need certainty says
reform group
Riot Act | 14 Nov 2024
"Clearly there are huge issues" Pocock quizzes federal bureaucrats on BCC
Canberra Times | 7 Nov 2024
ACT Senator David Pocock questions
"Not compliant": Brindabella to know fate as investigation nears end
Riot Act | 8 Nov 2024
Commonwealth education officials indicate to Senate Estimates serious breaches and failings by BCEL risking the schools $10Million of annual funding and its future viability.
APH Video | 7 Nov 2024
Have something more to share?
Senator.David.Pocock@aph.gov.au
Brindabella board members
step down amid regulatory action
Canberra Times | 31 Oct 2024
"Future hanging in the balance"
deadline passes but regulator quiet
Riot Act | 25 Oct 2024
Board Drama at BCC as two members leave and a third is ineligible
Riot Act | 30 Oct 2024
DA Condition finally catches
up with College
Riot Act | 11 Oct 2024
The 'Fix It Man' on a Mission from God who left trail of unpaid debts
and court cases
Canberra Times | 23 Sept 2024
ABC's Afternoon Drive - Ross Solly
chats with Reform BCC
ABC Ross Solly and David S 16-9Ross Solly
00:00 / 06:16
Robot Dog but no staff super. Canberra Private School in Trouble
Australian Financial Review |
18 Sept 2024
Minister says: College in a
'serious situation'
Canberra Times | 17 Sept 2024
Minister Berry Press Conference
This is Serious: Berry orders BCC to prove its compliant
Riot Act | 16 Sept 2024
Brindabella has 6 weeks from 3 Sept 2024 to comply: Berry
Canberra Times | 16 Sept 2024
ABC 7PM Nightly News
See 8 min 20 sec -16 Sept 2024
Minister takes action against Brindabella Christian College
Canberra Times | 16 Sept 2024
ABC B'fast queries Education
Minister Yvette Berry about
possible school closure
Berry ABC Radio 16-9-24Adam Shirley
00:00 / 04:07
Board Chair admits in 2024 over
$1.5 Million spent on legal fees
Greg Zwajgenberg Linked In
8 September 2024
ABC's Afternoon News - Drive
News Flash - Possible Closure BCC
ABC news flash 16-9-24 3.30pmRoss Solly
00:00 / 00:56
Brindabella Christian College agrees to remove two demountable classrooms
Riot Act | 24 Aug 2024
Brindabella Christian College to remove demountables
Canberra Times | 23 Aug 2024
Brindabella Christian College Principal Resigns
Riot Act | 12 Aug 2024
Brindabella Principal Keturah Jones Resigns Suddenly
Canberra Times | 12 Aug 2024
"Review Should Happen": Questions Raised over BCC Student Safety
Riot Act | 18 June 2024
Government may pause Brindabella College funding
Canberra Times | 6 June 2024
School's $100K spend criticised
Canberra Times | 13 June 2024
Brindabella blames union &
ACT gov for refinancing failure
Canberra Times | 5 June 2024
Senator Pocock standing up for
the BCC community as the
Federal Education Minister's Office outlines the school's breaches
Senate Estimates | 5 June 2024
School staff still waiting for nine months of unpaid super
Canberra Times | 16 Feb 2024
Private School used unapproved demountable classrooms
Canberra Times | 5 May 2024
ABC B'fast queries Education Minister Yvette Berry re unpaid staff super
and BCC's financial viability
ABC 1 Feb 2024Adam Shirley
00:00 / 02:03
BCC Carpark to stay open pending appeal in Supreme Court
Riot Act | 7 Feb 2024
Private school's staff not paid
super for 9 months
Canberra Times | 1 Feb 2024
See how your school compares.
New Report reveals cost of sending child to school - state by state
Education Editor | 24 Jan 2024
Court allows BCC's unauthorised car park to reopen as appeal looms
Riot Act | 31 Jan 2024
CSA's Mark Spencer tells The Australian, their member schools increased their fees by 5-10% for 2024. The Aust reports independent schools nationally, max increase was15%.
BCC exceeds all norms with 19-36%
The Australian | 18 Dec 2023
Media Coverage 2023 - click on the image to view the story
Media 2023
Private School Receives Stop Work Notice
Canberra Times | 1 Sept 2023
Businesses urged to remove unfair contract terms ahead of law changes
ACCC Alert! | 11 Sept 2023
BCC Using Uncertified Classrooms as Structures
Riot Act | 12 Sept 2023
ACT Private School Carpark in dispute
Canberra Times | 14 Nov 2023
Private School did not get approval for two demountables
Canberra Times | 30 Oct 2023
Tribunal orders private school carpark closure
Canberra Times | 15 Nov 2023
Under construction: Historical articles are currently being rearranged by year group for ease of access.
"Trifecta of Non-Compliance": Contentious car park dispute finally comes to a conclusion
Riot Act | 15 Nov 2023
ACT Gov orders 'political' bus ads be removed
Canberra Times | 3 July 2023
If you have to ask you probably cant afford a Canberra bus ad
Riot Act | 15 July 2023
School expands amid
$2.8 Million Loss
Canberra Times | 8 August 2023
Brindabella Wind Up Action Ends
with Payout for Parents
Canberra Times | 1 July 2023
Community Assoc. Gutted by ACAT BCC Carpark Decision
Riot Act | 27 June 2023
Parents call for 'wind up' of Brindabella Christian College
Canberra Times | 5 June 2023
Brindabella Unable to
'Extinguish' Tax Debt
Canberra Times | 7 May 2023
BCC to refer officials to anti-corruption watchdog
Canberra Times | 27 April 2023
Strict Conditions imposed on Brindabella Christian College finances, governance
Riot Act | 24 April 2023
Application to wind up BCC
set for federal court
Riot Act | 6 June 2023
BCC calls commonwealth officials to face anti-corruption commission
Riot Act | 1 May 2023
Brindabella must expand board, review finances
Canberra Times | 24 April 2023
Ministers concerns on Brindabella solvency, financial probity revealed
Riot Act | 24 April 2023
Parents and tax payers
deserve answers
Canberra Times | 1 April 2023
Brindabella reaches agreement with Education Minister
Canberra Times | 31 March 2023
Auditor raised concerns over BCC finances
Canberra Times | 30 March 2023
Brindabella reform group goes public, we can't be harmed anymore
Riot Act | 28 March 2023
Brindabella's mounting tax office debt revealed in tribunal
Riot Act | 27 March 2023
BCC $3 Million loss for 2020 racked up steep legal costs
Canberra Times | 28 March 2023
Brindabella Christian College to defend its viability in tribunal
Canberra Times | 27 March 2023
School owes $4.8 million to tax office
Canberra Times | 27 March 2023
Media 2019-2022
Media Coverage - 2019 to 2022
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Culture of fear as work safe investigates Canberra private school, Canberra Times (23 Aug 19)
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Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Workers Compensation Payouts, Cbr Times (23 Aug 19)
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Staff Member Made Serious Allegations Against Board Chair Riot Act (21 Dec 20)
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Canberra mother doubts Brindabella Christian College will change after 'wrongfully' excluding her boys, ABC News (23 Jan 21)
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Canberra Private School Registration System to be Overhauled, Canberra Times (8 April 2022)
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Christian College enrolment contract ruled 'unfair' by ACAT, Riot Act (12 May 22)
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Sweeping Changes to education laws after Brindabella unfair exclusion Riot Act (11 April 22)
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New Laws Clarify When Schools Can and Can't Suspend and Expel Students , Canberra Times (8 June 22)
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