mgpcpastor's blog

From the DEEWR (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations) website.

High Court Challenge
Legislation will be introduced into Parliament this week which, when passed, will allow the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program (NSCSWP) to continue following last week’s High Court decision.

The legislation will amend the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act) to provide authority for a number of programs including the NSCSWP.

The Australian Government is committed to maintain funding for school chaplains and student welfare workers, because we know that thousands of schools across the country value the scheme and want to see it continue.

The Government has carefully considered last week’s High Court decision and has developed a solution which will provide the legislative basis the Court indicated was necessary, and which will allow payments to continue. This means that chaplains and student welfare workers currently working in schools will be able to continue their important roles and funding for their services will be continued.

Provided it is supported in the Parliament, legislation will receive Royal Assent later this week and the payments due to funding recipients can be made very shortly afterwards.

DEEWR has already put arrangements in place to allow payments to start within 24 hours of Royal Assent.

Schools and the employers of chaplains and student welfare workers will be provided with updates during the week.