JourneyOnline
Education Minister, Rod Welford, announced today that the Government would not be proceeding with proposed amendments to religious education provisions in the Education Bill currently before State Parliament.
Mr Welford said there would be no change to current arrangements regarding religious instruction in state schools.
"I have listened to the concerns expressed by a number of Christian organisations and it is clear the proposed changes have not been well understood," Mr Welford said.
"As we all know, religion is an issue that people feel strongly about and it is important that all key stakeholders have every opportunity to have their say about any proposed updating of the current provisions in the Education Act.
"From the feedback I have received, I don’t think all the stakeholders have had sufficient opportunity to put forward their concerns.
"The appropriate course of action is not to proceed with the amendments at this time.
"The existing arrangements regarding religious instruction in state schools have not brought significant objections and are a satisfactory arrangement for the time being.
"We will now examine in more detail what – if any – changes are required for the future."
READ Journey’s article on the proposed changes HERE.
