MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
21 November 2009
School chaplaincy funding will benefit students
Australian Baptists have welcomed Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s decision to extend
funding of the school chaplaincy program to December 2011.
Mr Rudd made the announcement today in an address to the Australian Christian Lobby
national conference.
“This decision sends a strong signal that both sides of Australian politics recognise the
value that chaplains bring to the whole school environment,” Baptist Union of Australia
National Director Revd Dr Brian Winslade said.
“The additional funding announced today will directly benefit students. The program helps
to ensure that students receive essential support for their behavioural and spiritual
wellbeing. It is an excellent initiative that deserves our full support,” he said.
The program, introduced by the Howard Government in 2007, provides funding for
pastoral care of students in state schools. Funding was due to expire in December 2010.
The Rudd Government has now extended the program to December 2011, ensuring that
school chaplaincy did not become an election issue.
Today’s decision also provided greater job security to hundreds of chaplains who gave
above and beyond the call of duty to serve Australian school students.
A recent survey found that 83 per cent of school principals were “very satisfied” with the
chaplaincy program.
Media contact: Brian Winslade 0407 547 402 or Rod Benson 0412 421 678
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