School’s complaint about bus driver days before Hunter Valley crash
Teachers at Green Point Christian College, on the Central Coast, raised their concerns about Brett Andrew Button’s driving conduct just days before the tragic accident in the Hunter Valley.
They alleged that Button had a "lack of attention" while he was driving Year 5 students on an excursion to Bathurst last Thursday and Friday, and have sent a letter to parents confirming that he was the driver.
Principal Phillip Nash told 9News about the teachers' concerns that Button was "often chatting to teachers" instead of focusing on the road.
"On the trip to Bathurst our teachers raised concerns about the driver and reported them at the end of the trip as per our usual procedures," the Principal wrote in the letter to the parents.
"We ask staff to report anything of concern or anything inadequate in regard to the bus and or the driver.
"Their concerns were not such that they felt they needed to contact us on the trip, however."
The school has since reported their concerns to bus company Linq and have also shared the letter of complaint to the police investigating the Hunter Valley tragedy.
Police have confirmed that they have received the letter of complaint and the teachers who were on the bus during the school trip are expected to be interviewed.
The bus company has also shared a statement to 9News confirming that they have received the letter of complaint.
"We have been made aware by the media of a letter from Green Point Christian College sent to its students' parents," the statement read.
"The concerns raised in the letter had not been brought to our attention until today.
"We have received no other complaints about Mr Button before receipt of that letter.
"As with all of our drivers, Mr Button was only engaged after he passed an independent driver assessment, and his references were checked.
"It would be inappropriate for us to comment any further."
Button has faced court and is facing 11 charges including 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, and one count of negligent driving.
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