Principal questioned over Henson scouting
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Police shut down one of Bill Henson's exhibitions earlier this year. (Sunday Arts programme: Sunday Arts)
Officials from Victoria's Education Department are speaking to a primary school principal under investigation for allowing artist Bill Henson to scout for talent in the playground.
The State Government has launched an investigation into whether protocols were followed when Sue Knight allowed Henson into St Kilda Park Primary School to look for children to photograph.
Victoria's Education Minister Bronwyn Pike says Ms Knight, who is now employed at Coburg West Primary School, is cooperating with investigators.
"We need to look at this principal's complete record and then, of course, the Department will determine the most appropriate course of action," she said.
Ms Pike says parents usually need to give their consent before talent scouts can use schools to search for child models.
"Parents need to know what's going on. They need to be fully appraised and they need to be in the position where they can choose yes or no," she said.
Ms Knight has refused to reveal details of the incident to the media.
"The investigation will be quite detailed and involved," she said.
"I am required to follow the processes, and I wish to as well, so I can't comment on that."
Meanwhile Meredith Pearce, the Australian Education Union's spokeswoman, says it is not unusual for outsiders to be welcomed into schools.
"Sporting, film opportunities. And let me say, our politicians regularly use our schools to promote their own activities," she said.
Sydney police shut down one of Henson's exhibitions in May, after complaints were made about portraits of a naked 12-year-old.
