Faith Groups Work Together

As reported previously, 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. 

These precisely crafted amendments would allow a religious educational institution to: 

1. Act in good faith in accordance with its beliefs in relation to conduct that threatens to undermine its religious character and ethos, 
2. Protect its ability to teach in accordance with its beliefs, and 
3. Require staff to adhere to and conduct themselves in accordance with the beliefs of the religious educational institution. 

Unfortunately, no response has been provided by the Government and the future remains uncertain. 

MEDIA RELEASE: Prime Minister Tramples on People of Faith in Rush to Early Election 

9 August 2024 – Release Archive

In a case of “take-out-the-trash Friday”, Prime Minister Albanese today indicated that religious discrimination legislation is no longer on his Government’s agenda. 

Three months ago today, a broad range of faith leaders came together to give detailed amendments to the government which provided comprehensive feedback on the government proposals. This wide coalition demonstrated a high level of social cohesion with representatives from a broad range of Christian, Catholic, Orthodox and Islamic faith groups agreeing on line-by-line detailed amendments. 

One month ago today, a joint coalition of representatives from Christian schools called on the Prime Minister to intervene directly in this stalled bill and provide certainty to schools and faith communities. 

 It is too soon to give up on this historic opportunity to put in place these long overdue protections. We call on the Prime Minister to exercise leadership in this area and ensure that Christian schools communities get the certainty they need and people of faith the protections he promised us before the last election.

Christian school advocates Mark Spencer and Dr Rachel Carling said that the Government has yet to respond to how faith groups are working together. 

Mr Spencer said, “Faith leaders have provided the Government with an historic way forward which will unite people of faith. There is no division on how to move forward with religious freedoms and I call on the Prime Minister to show leadership and instruct the Attorney-General to adopt those sensible amendments.” 

Dr Carling said that Christian schools are in limbo. 

“Our schools are waiting for religious freedom legislation to provide them with clarity and security. It is time for the Prime Minister to take up the amendments faith leaders have presented to him and to move on these proposals,” Dr Carling said.

MEDIA RELEASE: Prime Minister Must Intervene To Protect Religious Freedom 

9 July 2024 – Joint Media Release (Archived) 

Over 250 Christian Schools are calling on the Prime Minister to intervene directly in the stalled Religious Freedom Bill and to ensure that the Albanese Government delivers on its election commitment to strengthen religious freedom protections. 

Earlier today the Attorney-General indicated that they have yet to receive a formal response from the Coalition regarding the proposed draft laws. The Government and the Opposition have received from faith leaders detailed amendments, the kind of ‘line by line engagement’ that the Attorney-General indicated he is seeking. 

The Shadow Attorney-General has indicated support for the proposals from faith leaders. We are so close to having a historic settlement of this contentious issue. 

Once again Christian Schools are calling on the Prime Minister to intervene directly in this stalled bill and provide certainly to schools and faith communities.