One single, solitary father is all it’s taken to bring the banhammer of justice down on the Federal Government‘s proposed funding model for Chaplains in schools. The High Court in Queensland today has ruled the funding unlawful in its current form, forcing the Abbott Government to re-think the modelling of the funding.
Under the original plans set out in this years astonishingly divisive Federal Budget, $245.3 million would be allocated directly to schools with the impetus of hiring faith-based chaplains, rather than social workers. Because entrusting the problems of children to the hands of a Christian-based organisation, rather than non-secular, and well trained people seems like a FUCKING WONDERFUL idea, right?
The High Court ruled in favour of Ron Williams, the father who filed the complaint, by a vote of a whopping 6-0.
SIX TO ZERO. As in not ONE of the judges sitting on the HIGH FREAKING COURT thought the Federal Government directly funding a religious element in otherwise completely non-secular state schools was lawful.
The Federal Government, for what its worth, is sticking by the scheme: “This is a policy that was invented by the Coalition. It was supported by the Coalition. It was confirmed by the Coalition. So we very much support it and we want it to continue,” remarked Prime Minister Tony Abbott in the kind of leap of logic that also suggests that a Newspaper Hat that I just folded is 100% effective in warding off cancer. It’s not researched at all, and it’s probably a terrible idea to rely on it. But I invented it. I support it. And I confirm it. Therefore I’m going to continue to support it and hope that the scheme continues despite overwhelming evidence from people that aren’t me suggesting it’s dangerous.
In the ruling, the High Court noted that the funding “does not provide material aid to provide for the human wants of students,” “And the only description of how the ‘support’ is to be given is that it includes ‘strengthening values, providing pastoral care and enhancing engagement with the broader community.”
“These are desirable ends. But seeking to achieve them in the course of the school day does not give the payments which are made the quality of being benefits to students.”
In response to that, Abbott stated “We’ve only just got this judgment. We’ll carefully study the judgment and we’ll make an appropriate response after we’ve made that study.”
On face value, though, the judgment appears to be fairly bloody clear: Government has no place directly funding religion in the education system. Simple. Easy. Indisputable.
There must always, ALWAYS be a separation of church and state. Anything less is supremely irresponsible.
Photo: Ian Forsyth via Getty Images.
via SMH.
