In Narrabri, we have always supported our Schools Ministry through the churches. After all, the Government giveth and the Government taketh away. It is absolutely no surprise that within weeks of gaining power Labor want to remove school chaplains.

From news.com.au

Education Minister Jason Clare to overhaul school chaplaincy program

The federal Education Minister is moving to dump one key component of a scheme in place at schools across the country.

Supplied video obtained Tuesday, May 8, 2018 of Treasurer Scott Morrison, delivering his 2018 budget speech at Canberra’s Parliament House.

The Albanese Labor government is moving to dump the compulsory religious element of the national school chaplaincy program.

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the major change was aimed at giving schools greater choice around pastoral care.

The voluntary scheme supports more than 3000 school communities across Australia.

“The government will open up the program to give schools the option to choose either a chaplain or a professionally qualified student welfare officer,” Mr Clare told NCA NewsWire.

“We believe that principals and school communities are best placed to understand their students’ needs, so we will give schools a choice about the services they need and the staff they hire.”

The $60m-a-year school chaplaincy program was introduced under the Howard government.

Its religious streak has been a point of contention ever since.

Australian Education Union boss Correna Haythorpe welcomed the news.

“Public schools are no place for religious proselytising and instruction,” she said.

“The AEU has always said that students and families who need support should be able to access evidence-based mental health, social and wellbeing assistance from qualified professionals.”