A state-wide petition has been launched in Launceston today calling on the Federal Government to continue funding the popular National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP).
The petition was launched by Liberal Senator Guy Barnett and Scripture Union Tasmania CEO, Ruth Pinkerton, who called on the public to sign the petition and support chaplaincy in schools.
“The National School Chaplaincy Program was introduced in 2007 by the Coalition Government and enabled schools to employ a part-time school chaplain for the purpose of providing pastoral care and guidance across religious denominations and beliefs in schools," Senator Barnett said.
"The Rudd Labor Government, however, has refused to confirm that it will continue to provide funding for the program beyond next year.
"This is despite the Prime Minister praising the work that school chaplains do, at one stage saying 'they (Chaplains) actually are providing the glue which keeps school communities rolling'. (Kevin Rudd, Questions Without Notice, 27 October 2009)
"Since the National School Chaplaincy Program was introduced, 90 Tasmanian schools have engaged a Chaplain under the program. Chaplains are part of the community in 31% of Primary Schools and 80% of High Schools in Tasmania.
“Research provided to the parliament also shows that 97% of participating school principals nationwide supported the continuation of the program. There is also strong support among parents and students.
"We are urging the community to send a message to the Federal Government that Chaplaincy in Schools should continue," Senator Barnett said.
Ruth Pinkerton, CEO of Scripture Union Tasmania who oversees the NSCP in the State, also sang the praises of the program, and echoed the call for the Government to continue to provide funding.
"Chaplains provide pastoral care on a range of issues such as bullying, alcohol and drug abuse, family issues, sexuality and mental health issues," Ruth Pinkerton said.
“They help individuals and school communities to explore big questions about life and spirituality, and do so in an open and inclusive manner which many teachers and parents, who were initially sceptical, have found to be refreshing and beneficial.
"The money provided by the Federal Government is supplemented with a lot of hard work from Scripture Union and over 300 volunteers around the State.
"But without continued support from the Federal Government, this important means of building social capital, resilience and positive values in our school communities will be lost.
"I would particularly like to acknowledge Senator Guy Barnett for his work in establishing the National School Chaplaincy Program and for his continuing support," Ruth Pinkerton concluded.
Senator Guy Barnett was part of a group known as the 'Gang of Five' who lobbied former Prime Minister John Howard in 2007 to establish the program for an initial period of 3 years at a cost of $165 million. Other members of the group included Shadow Environment Minister, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Andrew Laming MP, Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Louise Markus MP, and former MP David Fawcett.
For a copy of the Petition please contact Senator Barnett's office on 03 6334 1755 or download a copy below.
Copies are also available from Scripture Union Tasmania by calling 03 6244 8422 or online at www.praypal.org.au