Embarrassed PM gives chaplains one more year

Today the Labor Government has been forced into an embarrassing backdown, quietly updating a website with details of an extension of the Schools Chaplaincy program the same day the Coalition has announced its policy to continue that same program if elected, Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education said today.

"But while the website reports the extension of school chaplaincy program for participating schools until 2011, this offers schools no long term security for their Chaplaincy services, and is funded at a lower level than the amount currently available," Mr Pyne said.

"Instead the Government is holding yet another review, with consultation, a roundtable for good measure, topped off with a summit.

"Meanwhile chaplains, who have received a brief stay of execution, are left waiting to learn their fate until after the next election.

"The Government's changes also won't allow schools without a chaplain to employ one, continuing funding to existing participants only.

"Chaplains offer students special pastoral care and spiritual guidance that has benefited so many already, hence the enormous popularity of the program. A survey of participating schools found 97% satisfaction with the program.

"I call on the Prime Minister, when he fronts the Australian Christian Lobby tomorrow, to stop the sneaky website updates and guarantee the continuation of this extremely popular program into the future," Mr Pyne said.

November 20, 2009

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