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Proposed Conversion Practices Bill

Proposed Conversion Practices Bill

20 September 2023

The NSW Government is proposing to introduce laws banning LGBTQ ‘conversion practices’ that may affect the way parents, teachers, chaplains and counsellors can provide best care options for young people. AACS support laws that protect people from being forced to change…
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WA Petition - Leave faith-based schools alone

WA Petition - Leave faith-based schools alone

8 August 2023

The WA Law Reform Commission has recommended the Government make changes to the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. that would significantly impact Christian and other faith -based schools. These changes would have the impact of restricting our ability to employ Christian staff across…
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ACT Calvary Hospital Takeover

ACT Calvary Hospital Takeover

1 August 2023

In May, the ACT Greens-Labor government announced they would forcibly acquire Calvary Public Hospital through legislation, reportedly because of their pro-life position and refusal to provide abortion and euthanasia services. This is an extremely alarming move which has set a concerning…
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Victorian State CEN Conference

Victorian State CEN Conference

12 July 2023

AACS Executive Officer Vanessa Cheng had the opportunity to speak at the Victorian State CEN Conference.  Vanessa has been speaking at many conferences and meetings around Australia about the work of AACS and key issues facing our Christian schools.  AACS is encouraging…
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A Conversation on the Challenges Facing Christian Schools

A Conversation on the Challenges Facing Christian Schools

25 July 2023

Vanessa Cheng from the Australian Association of Christian Schools and Stephen McAlpine from City to City Australia recently had a four-part conversation on the challenges facing Christian schools…
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News Update: Victoria's New Payroll Tax

News Update: Victoria's New Payroll Tax

29 June 2023

The Victorian Goverment have just announced further details on the payroll tax being levied on non-government schools. Non-government schools with income per student of more than $15,000 will be subject to payroll tax under laws that come into effect on 1 July 2024. This…
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AACS Submission to Human Rights Framework Inquiry

AACS Submission to Human Rights Framework Inquiry

23 June 2023

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights is conducting an Inquiry: to review the scope and effectiveness of…
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AACS in Parliament House

AACS in Parliament House

15 June 2023

It has been a busy week all round for political meetings in Parliament House this week. AACS Executive…
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MEDIA RELEASE: Victoria's New Payroll Tax Will Hit Christian Schools Hard

MEDIA RELEASE: Victoria's New Payroll Tax Will Hit Christian Schools Hard

01 June 2023

The Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) is calling upon the Victorian Government to urgently review their shock Budget decision to remove the payroll exemption tax for independent schools. “Our schools hold grave concerns about how they will afford to pay…
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Review of Qld Non-State School Accreditation Framework

Review of Qld Non-State School Accreditation Framework

15 May 2023

  Executive Officer Vanessa Cheng was involved in a robust virtual roundtable discussion with other governing bodies of independent schools where significant concerns were raised with Cheryl Vardon, who is leading the review, about the implementation of the current accreditation…
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Response to The Fair Work Act 2009 Consultation Paper

Response to The Fair Work Act 2009 Consultation Paper

11 May 2023

AACS have submitted a Response to Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) Consultation Paper “Updating the Fair Work Act 2009 to provide stronger protections for workers against discrimination”.
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MEDIA RELEASE: ALRC Extension Confirms Christian School Concerns

MEDIA RELEASE: ALRC Extension Confirms Christian School Concerns

20 April 2023

The announcement today by the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP that he has agreed to an extension for the reporting date for the Australian Law Reform Commission’s (ALRC) review of religious exemptions for educational institutions comes as no surprise to Christian schools. “We welcome…
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New My Christian School Website

New My Christian School Website

11 April 2023

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new MyChristianSchool.au website which can also be found on Facebook and 
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Why do parents choose Christian schools?

Why do parents choose Christian schools?

11 April 2023

Our AACS Executive Officer, Vanessa Cheng recently wrote an article for Education Australia about why an increasing number of parents are choosing Christian Schools if fewer Australians identify as Christians. It also clearly explains why AACS has been calling upon the Federal…
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ALRC Consultation Paper released

ALRC Consultation Paper released

13 February 2023

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has released its Consultation Paper which you can read HERE. The Paper sets out four general propositions supported by 14 technical proposals for reform. If adopted,…
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ALRC Survey on Religious Schools

ALRC Survey on Religious Schools

12 January 2023

The Australian Law Reform Commission has opened a confidential survey for anyone to share their personal experiences of religious schools. AACS encourages any current…
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ACT Discrimination Amendment Bill 2022

ACT Discrimination Amendment Bill 2022

30 November 2022

The ACT Government tabled the Discrimination Amendment Bill 2022 with debate to resume in the new year. Although there are still many areas of concerns in the final version of Bill, there are…
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Radio Interview: NT Government's changes to anti-discrimination laws would discriminate against religious schools

Radio Interview: NT Government's changes to anti-discrimination laws would discriminate against religious schools

17 November 2022

   
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MEDIA RELEASE: FAITH BASED SCHOOLS COULD CLOSE IN NT

MEDIA RELEASE: FAITH BASED SCHOOLS COULD CLOSE IN NT

16 November 2022

16 NOVEMBER 2022 The Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) agrees with comments made by Catholic Bishop Charles Gauci on Katie Woolf’s 360 program this morning that the NT Government’s proposed changes to the Discrimination Act could cause…
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National Poll on Attitudes to Christian Schools

National Poll on Attitudes to Christian Schools

16 November 2022

New research shows large support for religious schools in Australia and for legal protections for those schools to remain authentic religious communities in support of parents to choose the education they want for their children. The latest research shows: Three…
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MEDIA RELEASE: ALRC REVIEW MUST PROVIDE CLARITY TO RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

MEDIA RELEASE: ALRC REVIEW MUST PROVIDE CLARITY TO RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

2 November 2022

4 NOVEMBER 2022 The Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) welcomes the referral by Attorney General Mark Dreyfus to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) to review the religious exemptions for educational institutions in Federal anti-discrimination…
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NT Government Attacks Religious Schools

NT Government Attacks Religious Schools

14 October 2022

The Northern Territory Attorney-General, Hon Chansey Paech MLA, has introduced the Anti-Discrimination Bill 2022 into the NT Legislative Assembly which…
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Queensland Petition: Protect the Rights of Christian Schools

Queensland Petition: Protect the Rights of Christian Schools

11 October 2022

Christian school staff, parents, alumni and supporters in Queensland are encouarged to sign the following e-petition HERE which states:   To…
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Productivity Commission releases education report

Productivity Commission releases education report

4 October 2022

The Productivity Commission has released an interim report of its five-year productivity inquiry, 'From learning to growth', on the efficiency and productivity…
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WA Petition: Protecting the Rights of Parents

WA Petition: Protecting the Rights of Parents

16 September 2022

Western Australian parents who are concerned about the Law Reform Commission Report's recommendations to remove to restrict the freedom of Christian…
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Queensland Human Rights Commission Report tabled in Parliament

Queensland Human Rights Commission Report tabled in Parliament

2 September 2022

The Report of the Queensland Human Rights Commission's Review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) was tabled in Parliament by Attorney-General Hon Shannon Fentiman MP yesterday. You can read the final report HERE. The…
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WA Attorney-General signals

WA Attorney-General signals "broad support" for changes to Equal Opportunity Act

19 August 2022

WA Attorney-General, Hon John Quigley MLA, has given "broad support" to 163 Recommendations of the Law Reform Commission final report into the State's Equal Opportunity Act. You can read the final report HERE. While…
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Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Amendment Bill

Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Amendment Bill

15 August 2022

The Northern Territory Department of the Attorney-General and Justice released the draft Anti Discrimination Amendment Bill 2022 for public…
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Tasmanian Law Reform Institute Report on Conversion Practices

Tasmanian Law Reform Institute Report on Conversion Practices

25 July 2022

A report by the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute includes 16 recommendations to ban sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) conversion practices…
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ACT consultation on Discrimination Law Reform

ACT consultation on Discrimination Law Reform

24 June 2022

Last year, the Justice and Community Safety Directorate of the ACT Government released a Discussion…
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New data shows support for religious freedom protections, push to accelerate timeline

New data shows support for religious freedom protections, push to accelerate timeline

2 June 2022

New research shows growing support for religious freedom laws in Australia, with  strong calls for the Albanese Government to re-introduce religious anti-discrimination legislation to Parliament. The latest research shows: Three out…
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Apprentice Teachers

Apprentice Teachers

30 May 2022

A highly successful Teaching School model has been featured by the Daily…
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AACS Congratulate Albanese Labor Government

AACS Congratulate Albanese Labor Government

23 May 2022

23 May 2022 The Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his team on forming government and being sworn in this morning.
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Christian Schools Push for  MP support on Religious Discrimination Bill

Christian Schools Push for MP support on Religious Discrimination Bill

27 April 2022

27 April 2022 Local Christian schools are calling on Macquarie MP Susan Templeman to commit to supporting religious freedoms, as the Federal Election campaign gains pace. In…
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Federal Election Campaign

Federal Election Campaign

7 April 2022

This federal election AACS are asking candidates if they support the right of parents to choose an education for their child that reflects their Christian beliefs, in particular, our schools want protected their right to: 
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Review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)

Review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)

17 March 2022

17 March 2022 Back in November, the Queensland Human Rights Commission released a Discussion Paper outlining…
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SA State Election

SA State Election

7 March 2022

7 March 2022 Early voting starts today for the South Australian State election, where South Australians will get a say in who governs them for the next four years. AACS is seeking to make religious freedom and authentic Christian schooling election issues.…
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AMENDMENTS BETRAY FAITH LEADERS

AMENDMENTS BETRAY FAITH LEADERS

10 February 2022

10 February 2022  The Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) calls upon all Senators to reject amendments to the Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 that will impact the…
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COMMITTEES RECOMMEND PASSAGE OF RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION BILL

COMMITTEES RECOMMEND PASSAGE OF RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION BILL

4 February 2022

4 February 2022  The Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) welcomes the release of the two parliamentary committee reports today, which recommend the passage of the Government’s…
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POLLING SHOWS STRONG SUPPORT FOR RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION BILL

POLLING SHOWS STRONG SUPPORT FOR RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION BILL

26 November 2021

26 November 2021 The Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 introduced to Parliament yesterday by the Prime Minister will complete a nearly five-decade long process to protect the fundamental human rights in Australia. Recent private polling*…
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Faith Leaders Support Religious Discrimination Bill

Faith Leaders Support Religious Discrimination Bill

23 November 2021

Faith leaders from Christian, Jewish and Islamic communities, including AACS have issued a statement in support of the Government's Religious Discrimination Bill: Statement from Faith Leaders 19th November 2021 We…
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Tasmanian Christian School Leaders Meet to Discuss Religious Freedom

Tasmanian Christian School Leaders Meet to Discuss Religious Freedom

16 November 2021

MEDIA RELEASE In anticipation of the Federal Government’s Religious Discrimination Bill, soon to be introduced to Federal Parliament, Christian School leaders from across Tasmania met with representatives from Senator Jacquie Lambie’s office at the…
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Review of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA)

Review of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA)

10 November 2021

In August, the Law Reform Commission of Western Australia (LRC) released a Discussion Paper which outlined options and posed questions about amendment to Western Australia’s…
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Victorian Government Out of Touch with Community Values

Victorian Government Out of Touch with Community Values

28 October 2021

MEDIA RELEASE Polling Shows Victorian Government Out of Touch with Community Values The Equal Opportunity (Religious Exceptions) Amendment Bill 2021 introduced to Parliament today by the Victorian Government will make it…
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Victorian Christian Schools Under Threat

Victorian Christian Schools Under Threat

17 September 2021

The proposed changes to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 announced by the Andrews Government yesterday will have a huge impact on the staffing model of Christian schools in Victoria and…
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Religious Discrimination Bill Positive Step for Christian Schools

Religious Discrimination Bill Positive Step for Christian Schools

3 September 2021

AACS have been involved in productive meetings with the Attorney General and her office about the progress of the Religious Discrimination Bill. We have advocated for a consistent law for the whole nation that makes it clear that faith-based schools are allowed to employ…
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Religious Belief Deserves Protection

Religious Belief Deserves Protection

16 August 2021

AACS believes that for our schools to be able to provide an authentic Christian education they must be able to employ staff who share in the stated beliefs of the school. Read our opinion piece about the important issue of religious protection for Christian…
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Initial Teacher Education Review

Initial Teacher Education Review

18 July 2021

Quality teaching is the greatest in-school influence on student outcomes. Initial teacher education (ITE) aims to ensure that graduate teachers start their teaching career with the necessary knowledge, skills and dispositions to be successful teachers in any Australian school.…
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Australian Curriculum Review

Australian Curriculum Review

30 June 2021

AACS provided feedback to ACARA about the proposed revisions to the Australian Curriculum which you can read HERE. Christian school teachers were also encouraged by AACS to…
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Religious Freedom Weekend

Religious Freedom Weekend

10 June 2021

Religious Freedom is only weakly protected in Australian law, and those protections are rapidly eroding. Join with faith groups across the nation to pray for the globally persecuted and the protection of religious freedoms in Australia in the upcoming Religious Freedom…
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Christian School National Policy Forum

Christian School National Policy Forum

26 May 2021

Christian school leaders from around the country gathered in Canberra for the annual National Policy Forum. It was wonderful to hear the keynote address from the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, at the Gala Dinner at Parliament House.
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Prohibiting the Indoctrination of Children Bill

Prohibiting the Indoctrination of Children Bill

26 Mar 2021

The Australian Senate referred the Australian Education Legislation Amendment (Prohibiting the Indoctrination…
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Independent Schools Growth

Independent Schools Growth

March 2021

Independent Schools Australia has released its annual Snapshot 2021 which provides an overview of key statistics about the Independent schools sector. AACS was pleased to see that independent schools experienced 2.5% growth during 2020, despite the challenges of the…
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Church Community Restoration Project

Church Community Restoration Project

February 2021

AACS is pleased to partner with other Christian organisations such as Alphacrucis College, Mission Australia, the Bible Society, Compassion and World Vision as part of the Community…
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VIC Change and Suppression Bill

VIC Change and Suppression Bill

February 2021

AACS urges the Victorian Government to listen to the concerns of thousands of Christian parents and teachers about their controversial Change or Suppression (Conversion)…
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TAS Law Reform public consultation

TAS Law Reform public consultation

January 2021

The Tasmania Law Reform Institute (TLRI) is seeking public feedback on possible reforms to Tasmanian law to respond to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) conversion practices. The TLRI today released its Issues Paper, ‘Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conversion…
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Church Community Restoration Project

Church Community Restoration Project

23 February 2021

AACS is pleased to partner with other Christian organisations such as Alphacrucis College, Mission Australia, the Bible Society, Compassion and World Vision as part of the Community…
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SA Religious Exceptions: anti-discrimination changes

SA Religious Exceptions: anti-discrimination changes

27 November 2020

The South Australian Government has indicated its intention to amend the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 so that…
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NSW Religious Freedom and Equality

NSW Religious Freedom and Equality

July 2020

Good news! There have been some positive developments in New South Wales with the introduction of the Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Freedoms and Equality)…
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Cardus Education Survey

Cardus Education Survey

July 2020

Please join us for the launch of the Cardus Education Survey Australia Project. Join host, Mark McCrindle, Cardus Executive Vice President, Ray Pennings, and Assistant Professor, Albert Cheng, as they launch the landmark findings…
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2020 Review of Disability Standards

2020 Review of Disability Standards

July 2020

The 2020 Review of the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (the Standards) is underway by the Department of Education, Training and Employment. The Standards were developed under the Disability Discrimination…
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What only a parent can tell you about Christian education

What only a parent can tell you about Christian education

"I’m at a cross-country carnival today. Roadrunner (my daughter) is running 2km. A small number of steps for this child, but a giant amount of steps for her mother. I don’t run - unless there is a cockroach, and then I could qualify for the Olympics. Roadrunner tells me that during…
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Community Speaks Volume

Community Speaks Volume

A family chose to send their two high school aged children to our College without previously having contact with our community, coming from a public school. After being with us for about a year, their father was suddenly killed in a car accident. Our College supported the students…
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MEDIA RELEASES

02/06/22 - NEW DATA SHOWS SUPPORT FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM PROTECTIONS

10/2/22 - AMENDMENTS BETRAY FAITH LEADERS

26/11/21 - POLLINGS SHOWS STRONG SUPPORT FOR RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS

28/10/21 - VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT OUT OF TOUCH WITH COMMUNITY VALUES