New push to overhaul religious instruction in Qld schools

Labor delegates have passed a resolution to overhaul a century-old policy on religious instruction in schools, but the Education Minister is refusing to act. VOTE IN THE POLL

The Education Minister is refusing to act on growing calls to ditch religious instruction during school hours, a move putting her at odds with Queensland Labor delegates and the powerful teacher’s union.

Grace Grace’s stance comes days after Labor delegates passed a resolution at the State Conference which called for an overhaul of century-old policy.

Melinda Dodds, a member of Labor’s Ninderry branch, put through the resolution which she said was “unanimously” supported by hundreds of delegates.

The resolution called for RI to be moved to either lunch times or before or after school hours. Alternatively, it called for nonparticipating students to be allowed to learn new curriculum material.

Despite mounting pressure, Ms Grace said there was no plan to change its policy on RI, which is provided to students if they have consent from parents on enrolment.

Up to one hour of RI is delivered by volunteers from religious groups per week however, nonparticipating students are not allowed to learn new material.

Unusually, the Queensland Teachers’ Union is at loggerheads with the state government with president Cresta Richardson saying RI should be opt-in and delivered outside of school hours.

Ms Richardson said any organisation offering RI should be approved by the Department of Education and not the responsibility of school leaders.

President Cresta Richardson says the teachers’ union believes RI should be delivered outside of school hours.

Queensland Association of State School Principals president Pat Murphy said it supported moving RI to outside the timetabled period.

“We are not opposed to RI. But what we would be asking is for it to be scheduled at times such as lunch times, or before or after school depending on the availability of facilities within the individual school,” Mr Murphy said.

“This will lessen the impact on student learning. We have large number of students opting out, which makes it difficult for the continuity of learning.”

Critics of religious instruction say the “lessons” are used by faith groups as an opportunity to indoctrinate children.

It comes after volunteers of a controversial Brisbane church spoke about using RI as a platform to “harvest” state school children and “disciple them afterwards”.

Other church group leaders have spoken about RI as being “mission fields”.

Ms Richardson said it was inappropriate for individuals from any faith to attempt to recruit state school students to their faith.

Ms Grace said she was aware of the range of views on RI but confirmed there were no proposed changes to its policy.

“RI is not compulsory for students at Queensland state schools - it can only happen with written parental consent,” Ms Grace said.

“Any RI that does take place cannot exceed one hour per week and a staff member is always present while RI is being delivered.”

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace is refusing to budge on its religious instruction policy despite mounting calls for change. Picture: Dan Peled

Ms Grace encouraged any parents with concerns about RI to contact the principal or the department.

Christian RI Alliance in Qld chair Reverend David Baker said the curricula delivered in RI gave children an opportunity to “discover, explore and question” Christian faith as part of a holistic education.

Previously, Rev Baker had claimed RI was “progressive” and made relevant to the modern classroom through revision in policy.

Ms Dodds said the support was a “positive” step forward. From here, it will sit as a supported resolution in the party platform, up to members to push up within the party.