Rudd and Gillard need to provide chaplains with

In Question Time today, the Prime Minister praised at length the work that school chaplains do, while at the same time refusing to confirm that the popular schools chaplaincy program will continue past this year, according to Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education.

"Like so many other issues, the Prime Minister is trying to walk on both sides of the street," Mr Pyne said.

"On the one hand he takes great pains to talk about the valuable role of chaplains in our schools. On the other hand his Government is threatening to abolish the program that pays their wages.

"This program was introduced by the Coalition Government and enabled schools to employ a part-time school chaplain, with the purpose of providing pastoral care and non-denominational spiritual guidance in schools.

"According to figures released during Estimates Hearings last week, an extraordinary 97% of participating school principals supported its continuation.

"The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, must now make the Government's position clear on whether the program will continue. The Prime Minister has indicated he supports the work chaplains do, it would be enormously hypocritical if she were to now to cancel the program."

27 October 2009

Media Contact:

Adam Howard

0400 414 833