The Government and Opposition have been asked to commit to equity for students with disabilities, fair funding for schools and the protection of religious choice in a pre-election letter from CSA.

The letter seeks a formal response to issues we regard as key for the next elected government, including

• Equitable funding for students with disabilities;
• Fair and certain recurrent funding, including indexation according to movements in inflation;
• Preserving the right to operate school in accordance with religious belief;
• The continuation of the school chaplains programme

The letter acknowledges the open relationship we have enjoyed with both the Government and Opposition during the current parliament.

We have also sought assurances that neither major party would support an erosion of freedom of choice and expression:

No issue is felt more deeply to our members than preserving the right to operate schools in a way consistent with our religious beliefs. We regard as a basic right in a pluralistic democracy the ability for parents to choose for their children a school which is operated in accordance with their faith. Of course if schools do not have the genuine ability to operate in such a way, there is no real choice.

We are seeking an undertaking they will not support legislative amendments that would erode these important principles (an issue we are also raising with the Attorney-General and Shadow Attorney General).

Downloads:

 Pre-election letter to Minister Crean

 Pre-election letter to Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister