Arabic version: توجيه تهمة إلى أم من غيبسلاند بسبب جهاز تسجيل

According to ABC News, Gippsland mother Skye Cooper has been charged after allegedly sewing a recording device into the clothing of her non-verbal seven-year-old son, who attended Churchill Primary School in Victoria’s east.

Ms Cooper said her son, who has severe epilepsy, autism level three, global development delay and severe language delay, began refusing to leave the car for school around a month after starting there in February 2025. She said she became concerned after he returned home one day last year with what appeared to be bruises on his arm.

After meetings with the school that she felt did not address her concerns, Ms Cooper sought advice from disability advocate Julie Phillips. Ms Phillips recommended placing a recording device in the child’s clothes. Ms Cooper said she listened to the audio each night and later heard an aide tell her son, “you hurt me, I’ll hurt you.” She then withdrew him from the school.

Police were notified of the alleged use of the device and charged Ms Cooper with Regulation of Installation, Use and Maintenance of a Listening Device. She is receiving legal advice and deciding whether to contest the charge. Ms Cooper said police told her that admitting the charge and donating $300 to a suitable charity would mean she would not receive a criminal record.

Earlier this year, Ms Cooper received a written apology from the aide, who said she did not specifically recall the exchange but was “extremely remorseful that such a statement was made.” Ms Cooper has launched a petition seeking the aide’s removal and changes to the Surveillance Devices Act. She said the Disability Workers Commission is investigating the matter.