Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia
AHISA MEDIA RELEASE
13 December 2018
Opportunity for informed debate on religious freedom deserves
support
‘Public debate on the status of
religious freedom in Australia and how it may best be protected was not served
well by media coverage of leaks
from the Ruddock Review report,’ said
AHISA’s CEO Ms Beth Blackwood. ‘Australians now have the opportunity to read
the full report and, in due course, consider carefully the implications of new
and amended legislation.’
Ms Blackwood said the way events had
unfolded in the last two months offered important lessons for all Australians.
‘If we are to maintain a clear space
for informed public debate on contentious issues, we must resist reacting to
media coverage that puts the pursuit of “click bait” before responsible
reporting,’ said Ms Blackwood. ‘We must also be aware that the pursuit of
short-term political advantage can unnecessarily undermine social harmony, so
we must resist quick fixes and seek instead to support those actions that
uphold the best possible democratic processes.’
Ms Blackwood said school leaders had
also learned powerful lessons from recent events.
‘What we have clearly seen in the past
two months is that what may be recognised and upheld by a community leader as a
high level principle can at the same time be felt as a very deep and personal
hurt by a community member,’ said Ms Blackwood. ‘There is a tension between the
right to religious freedom and anti-discrimination rights and school leaders
must communicate clearly to their communities the ways in which they reconcile
these rights.’
Ms Blackwood said the Government’s
proposal to legislate for religious freedom rather than rely on exemptions to
anti-discrimination laws could offer a way forward to allow schools with a
religious affiliation to celebrate and practise their religious heritage while
at the same time maintaining inclusive practices.
‘The Government’s intended program of
review and consultation offers the opportunity for informed public debate,’ said
Ms Blackwood. ‘We should resist any attempt to derail that opportunity.’
ENDS
Opportunity for informed debate on religious freedom deserves support