You speak the government listens
Is this a coincidence?
On 27 January, 2023, the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) released a discussion paper. It suggested changes to the way that faith-based schools can hire their staff.
To put it more bluntly, as the Presbyterian Church of NSW did:
The proposals in the Commission’s paper will compromise the ability of Christian schools to provide what many Christian parents desire for their families, and thus will undermine the liberty of parents to raise their children in consistency with their Christian faith.
In other words, Christian schools would no longer be able to hire Christian staff for the quality of their Christian faith.
Then, in the ten-or-so weeks after that, two interesting things happened.
First of all, mychristianschool.au was launched and thousands came to visit, just like you’re doing now. More than that 900 teachers and parents from the community of Christian schools started sending in their stories. All about how Christian faith makes a difference to schools and, more importantly, to the young people they serve. Some people went further and told their stories to their local MP.
Second, the Commonwealth Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus, announced he has provided the ALRC an extension and the report is now to be finalised by 31 December 2023. Apparently the discussion paper may need something of a re-think.
It could be a coincidence. Or it could mean the Government is doing its job. It’s listening to parents and teachers like you.
What does this mean?
Do not underestimate the significance of the Attorney General’s decision!
More than that, don’t underestimate the power of your prayers, your stories and – for those ready to pluck up the courage – your messages to Parliamentarians.
The government is listening.
This extension is an acknowledgement by the government that these massive changes cannot be rushed through without serious consideration.
What can you do now?
We are not there yet!
We now have an extra 8 months to pray and let politicians know why the precious difference of Christian schools must be preserved.
Can you do these 3 things?
- Take a moment to give thanks to God. “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
- Send this link to 3 people and encourage them to join the campaign. Every person who subscribes is a signal to government that Australians value the faith of Christian staff at Christian schools.
Follow the campaign on Facebook and share the stories we’re posting about the difference Christian schools make.