Gillard shocked by Henson's school visit
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Mr Henson sparked controversy in May when an exhibition of his work featured naked images of a 12-year-old girl. (AAP Image: Andrew Sheargold)
The Federal Education Minister, Julia Gillard, has welcomed an investigation into how artist Bill Henson was allowed into a Melbourne school to search for child models.
The Victorian Premier has ordered the investigation after learning a primary school principal agreed to let Mr Henson into a playground.
Mr Henson sparked controversy in May when an exhibition of his work featured naked images of a 12-year-old girl.
Ms Gillard told Channel Nine she is shocked by the latest revelation.
"To find out now that someone has been allowed to go into a school to look at children I think would send a shiver through people's spines," she said.
"People shouldn't be on school grounds unless they're there for a legitimate purpose associated with the education of Australian young people."
The Federal Youth Minister, Kate Ellis, has also added her condemnation over the allegations.
"Frankly I think it's disgusting," she said.
"I think that what we need to be doing is encouraging kids to be kids, and I don't see what's so wrong with allowing children to maintain their innocence for as long as possible.
"That's something I think we should be encouraging."
