More than 2,200 signed postcards will be delivered to the Prime Minister in conjunction with the launch of a new campaign for a “positive right” for faith-based schools.
This comes off the back of the ‘Faith In Our Future’ townhalls organised in response to the controversial recommendations released by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC). The postcards, each bearing a signature and a message reminding the Prime Minister of his commitment that “Faith-based schooling will not go backwards” will be delivered to the Prime Minister on Wednesday morning
The sold-out town hall events in Brisbane, Sydney, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide have united supporters of Christian schools across Australia to share their experiences of the value of faith and communicate their concerns to Federal political representatives. A clear message coming from the faith community that faith-based schools must have a “positive right” to continue to operate in accordance with their beliefs.
Faith groups have worked hard to prepare detailed legislative proposals for the Albanese Government that capture this “positive right” in a way that is consistent with international law, allows the Government to meet its election commitments, and protects communities of faith.
Even Justice Rothman, who led the ALRC review, recognised that something significant was missing. He has since said that schools need a “positive right”’ to operate schools based on their ethos as outlined above.
Christian Schools Australia Director of Public Policy, Mark Spencer, Australian Association of Christian Schools Executive Officer Vanessa Cheng and Erik Hofsink, Executive Director of Associated Christian Schools will be jointly launching the “Positive Right” campaign.
When: 9:30 am Wednesday 26 June
Where: Senate courtyard area 28L.
Contacts: Vanessa Cheng 0416 277 372 or Mark Spencer 0419 419 224
About the Associations:
Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) represents over a hundred independent Christian schools in every state and territory across Australia, ranging from very small to large; urban to regional, rural and remote. The majority of member schools are non-denominational with a protestant heritage and are governed by parent associations with over 44,000 students enrolled from a wide variety of socio-economic, cultural and religious backgrounds.
Associated Christian Schools (ACS) represents over 45 independent Christian Schools throughout Queensland. With over 30,000 students attending member schools, this represents approximately 20% of the independent school students in Queensland. Whilst each of our member schools are independently governed, they choose to collaborate together through ACS, for the purpose of delivering high quality Christian education for the common good.
Christian Schools Australia (CSA)is the largest association of Christian schools in the country and has member schools educating over 86,000 students and employing over 13,500 staff at more than 200 locations across Australia. CSA member schools provide caring and compassionate education within an authentic Christian learning community.
For all media enquiries:
Vanessa Cheng, Australian Association of Christian Schools, 0416 244 372
Alistair Macpherson, Associated Christian Schools, 0401 365 776
Mark Spencer, Christian Schools Australia, 0419 419 224