Media Release - Federal Government's Chaplain Policy Divisive

31 October 2006, 11:00am

In responding to the Federal Government's announcement of $90 million over three years to fund chaplains in schools, IEU Federal Secretary expressed concern at the divisiveness of the government's ongoing approach of linking the values debate to religion and the provision of what are really essential services in all schools.

"A further $90 million dollars funding for student support services is vitally important and welcomed. However, to link such funding to the employment of religious chaplains is unnecessary and discriminatory. All schools will want to access such funding - but not all schools and their communities will want to employ chaplains - and it is not good enough for the Minister to say that it is voluntary or a matter of their choice" said Ms Rolley.

"The IEU has urged increased funding for student support services for years. Those services need to be relevant to the particular student cohort needs, to be expert and professional and to be acceptable to the school community.

"There will be schools which need these funds but many will not have a relationship with a religious chaplain. They will want to employ a school counsellor with specialist qualifications in dealing with the issues which their young people are struggling to come to terms with. This public policy will not allow this choice.

Australia is a multicultural, plural society - the strength of its values lies in the richness of its diversity. But John Howard and his government consistently undermine this diversity with policies and commentary which divide the community and engender distrust.

The IEU calls on the government to provide these vital funds without their being tied to the employment of religious chaplains.