School Chaplains program to end in 2011
19 May 2010
Media release "The cynicism of the Rudd Government's commitment to maintain the school chaplaincy program is clearly on display in the Budget," Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education said today.
"Begun under the Howard Government, a survey has shown that 97 per cent of school principals who have engaged a chaplain strongly support the program and recognise the benefits for their school communities," Mr Pyne said.
"In the Budget the Government has promised funding until next year to schools currently participating in the program, with no guarantees that the program will continue into the future," he said.
The Government also plans a review of the program in 2010, but as this process hasn't begun we can only assume that if Labor is re-elected this year there will be some nasty surprises in store.
Chaplains play a valuable role in schools, supporting students and school communities by offering pastoral care and guidance across religious denominations and beliefs.
The irony is that the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has described school chaplains as the 'glue' that holds school communities together. Australians have a right to question whether the Government believes in anything anymore. A Government that believes in nothing will deliver nothing.
The Coalition has already committed $165 million to continue the School Chaplaincy program over the forward estimates if elected this year, guaranteeing its future.
"Students should not miss out on exposure to the non-denominational spiritual guidance a school chaplain can offer, just because of some misplaced ideological objections from the Labor Party," Mr Pyne said.
May 18, 2010
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adam Howard
0400 414 833