CSA representatives recently enjoyed a warm and cordial meeting with the Victorian Attorney-General, Hon Robert Clark.  The meeting covered a number of issues relating to religious freedom and equal opportunity legislation.

Victorian State Council Chair, Dr Daniel Pampuch, State Executive Officer, Jeanette Woods and Executive Officer, National Policy, Mark Spencer met with the Attorney-General last week.

Equal Opportunity legislation amendments:

The CSA representatives expressed appreciation for the Government standing by its election promises by tabling the Equal Opportunity Amendment Bill 2011 which restored the balance in the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and protected the ability of Christian schools to employ suitable staff who shared the values and beliefs of the school.  It was noted that the amendments brought the Act back in line with the recommendations of the bi-partisan SARC Review that had held extensive consultations in relation to the Act and built upon similar extensive consultations in the prior Justice Department review.

CSA spoke of the challenges in effectively communicating the need for the amendments and the campaign of misinformation what was being taken by some parties in relation to the Government’s proposals. 

Daniel Pampuch noted that 95% independent schools have a faith aspect to them, and that we have worked together with other faith based schools in our response to this issue prior to the election.  Daniel and Jeanette reiterated the commitment of CSA to informing school communities about the need for an appropriate balance in this area and indicated that this could be done collaboratively with other faith based schools.  Once again school communities would be encouraged to communicate with their local members to make them aware of the support for these changes.

Charter of Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006

CSA indicated that we welcomed the review and indicated that we are looking for an appropriate balancing of rights in a way more consistent with international law and the fundamental right of religious freedom

Other issues

While noting that the decision was subject to appeal CSA raised concerns about aspects of the decision in Cobaw Community Health Services v Christian Youth Camps Ltd & Anor [2010] VCAT 1613. 

We were encouraged by the affirmation and open communication in this meeting.  Clearly the AG understands the importance for our schools of the tabled amendments and is happy to work with us to ensure that Christian schools have the necessary freedom to employ staff and conduct their operation in a manner consistent with their beliefs.