Yet total number of suspensions had declined from 2010 to 2011.

In education budget estimates today, Education Minister Nick McKim said 35 per cent of all suspensions in 2011 were due to physical abuse and harassment of staff and students.

The disobediance of instructions equated to 23 per cent, while 20 per cent were due to verbal abuse.

Mr McKim said the disobedience of instructions had seen the largest increase, from 17 per cent to 23 per cent.

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