CSA has been invited to meet with the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Hon. Catherine Branson, as part of a ‘new relationship’ she has indicated she is seeking with faith based groups.  Dr Helen Szoke the Victorian Equal Opportunity Commissioner similarly welcomed the opportunity to meet with CSA and discuss the implementation  of the new Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) to help understand the position of Christian schools and in particular the operation of the ‘inherent requirements’ provisions of the newly drafted exception for employment within Christian schools.  She indicated that meeting with faith based groups was a priority for her prior to the implementation of the Act in August next year.

During a presentation today Dr Szoke also made it very clear that a relevant factor in interpreting the inherent requirements provisions would be the messages a school gives about the nature of the school and the practices within the school.  Both Dr Szoke and Catherine Branson acknowledged the validity of the range of approaches taken in non-government schools to the employment of Christian staff given their different views about the role of different positions within the school community.

We warmly welcome the opportunity to speak directly with these two key leaders in the area if human rights and equal opportunity law in Australia and outline the position and needs of Christian schools, particularly in relation to the employment of staff but also in the broader areas of operation of schools in accordance with our religious beliefs.

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