AACS Launches 2025 Election Policy Platform at NSW Parliament House

On Friday, 21 March, the Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) officially launched its 2025 Federal Election Policy Platform at the AACS Advocacy and Policy Summit at NSW Parliament House. The event brought together over 130 Christian school leaders, policymakers and parliamentarians to discuss key priorities for securing the future of Christian education in Australia.

Advocating for the Future of Christian Education

The AACS 2025 Election Policy Platform outlines three key priorities:

Sustainable School Funding – ensuring fair and equitable funding so Christian schools remain affordable, with adequate resources to provide high-quality faith-based education. This includes increased capital funding to support growing school communities and a commitment to funding boarding facilities in the Northern Territory.

Protecting Parental Choice in Education – safeguarding the rights of parents to choose a Christian education for their children, in line with Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This also includes ensuring that Christian schools can employ teachers and staff who uphold their faith-based ethos.

Addressing Teacher Workforce Challenges – strengthening the teaching profession by expanding scholarship opportunities for students entering non-government schools, streamlining teacher accreditation, and enhancing skilled migration programs to help address ongoing teacher shortages.

AACS Executive Officer Vanessa Cheng highlighted the urgency of advocacy efforts in the lead-up to the 2025 Federal Election in May.

"The timing of our Summit today could not be more perfect. We have a couple of months to gear up once again and be ready to have our voice heard among the chorus," she told attendees.

Reflecting on last year’s success in mobilizing support against the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) recommendations, Vanessa encouraged school leaders to continue their advocacy efforts.

"Our deep hope for this Summit is that you walk away feeling better informed, more confident, and inspired to be an effective voice for your school, your students, and your community. Whether it’s engaging with a local MP, navigating policy changes, or simply finding the right words to articulate the value of Christian education — our aim for this event is to help sharpen and strengthen your own advocacy efforts."

The AACS 2025 Election Policy Platform serves as a blueprint for engagement with political leaders in the lead-up to the election.

For more details and a copy of our policy platform contact AACS at enquiries@aacs.net.au