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Australia

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Further Down the American Path?

Tuesday, 23 rd May, 2006

There might be a declining number of practising Christians in Australia but there is no sign of a decline in their political influence. The latest example is the retreat by the Queensland Labor government from plans to widen the range of beliefs able to be taught in state schools.

Under the current system, state school students attend religious classes unless their parents ask for them to be exempt. Those classes are taught by a range of Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist groups. The proposed changes would have allowed a wider range of beliefs to be taught in schools with the consent of parents and Education Queensland.

Yesterday Education Minister Rod Welford, announced that the Government would not be proceeding with proposed amendments to religious education provisions in the Education Bill currently before State Parliament.

“I have listened to the concerns expressed by a number of Christian organisations and it is clear the proposed changes have not been well understood,” Mr Welford said. As we all know, religion is an issue that people feel strongly about and it is important that all key stakeholders have every opportunity to have their say about any proposed updating of the current provisions in the Education Act.

“From the feedback I have received, I don't think all the stakeholders have had sufficient opportunity to put forward their concerns. The appropriate course of action is not to proceed with the amendments at this time.

“The existing arrangements regarding religious instruction in state schools have not brought significant objections and are a satisfactory arrangement for the time being. We will now examine in more detail what – if any - changes are required for the future.”

Rod Welford
Surrendered to Christian
pressure.