Religious instruction in Qld schools explained
The Courier-Mail has provided an outline of Queensland’s controversial religious instruction program and compared it with interstate policies.
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The Courier-Mail has provided an outline of Queensland’s controversial religious instruction program and compared it with interstate policies.
Information available on the Queensland education of department’s website was used to explain the religious instruction program.
Education minister Grace Grace has come under increasing pressure to conduct a review of the century-old policy.
What is religious instruction?
Queensland state schools provide religious instruction in the form of an hour per week to students (except prep students) who have been given consent from their parents on enrolment.
It is not a curriculum or syllabus provided by the department.
Students not participating in religious instruction are provided with other activities such as revision or reading materials in a separate location where they are unable to see or hear the lesson or its content.
Who delivers religious instruction?
Queensland legislation allows any minister of a religious denomination or an accredited representative of a faith group who has been approved by the government or the school principal. The faith groups can include people from Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Greek Orthodox, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Sikh, Yarning Circle and Yazidi religions.
Is it compulsory?
RI is not compulsory and parents may change their consent regarding their child’s participation in RI or other instruction at any time by notifying the principal in writing.
Education Minister Grace Grace said religious instruction can only happen with written parental consent, and a staff member is always present while RI is being delivered.
How many schools deliver religious instruction?
Department data showed one third of students from Years 1-12 were given consent from their parents to learn RI in 2022. The data showed 608 state schools, about half overall, had “indicated” that RI was delivered at their school.
Ms Grace said all schools reviewed the program to ensure that they do not contravene departmental policies, including policies on student wellbeing and inclusive education.
Who determines the content in religious instruction?
The content of RI programs is determined by the faith group involved, with the approval of the faith group’s leader.
The Queensland Multi-Faiths RI Peak Body Network commissions independent reviews of some RI programs for their alignment with departmental policy requirements.
How do other states compare?
In Victoria, Labor leader Dan Andrews in 2016 ordered its religious instruction program move to lunchtime or before and after school instead of during class. The government also introduced an opt-in policy which contributed to a major drop off in participation numbers nearly a decade later.
In New South Wales, public schools allow time for special religious education which is delivered by authorised representatives of approved faith groups to students who have nominated that religion.
In South Australia, public education and children’s services are to be secular in nature.
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