The state and federal governments have had to come to a voluntary arrangement since direct federal funding for chaplains was ruled invalid by the High Court in June. Secular workers have been excluded from the new scheme, which means some workers will lose their jobs. (The chaplaincy scheme was introduced by the Howard Government in 2006. Labor included secular workers in 2011.)

“I am really pleased that the federal government funding through the state government will be available for chaplains,” says Justin Simpson, state director of Scripture Union Victoria.

“The state (VIC) government has told us it intends to accept the funding within the parameters set by the federal government.”

“I think the great work done by Chaplains across the country is recognised by the fact that all states have signed up for the National School Chaplaincy Programme, and will be administering it on behalf of the federal government,” says Rob Ward, spokesperson for ACCESS Ministries one of the larger Chaplaincy providers.

“Here in Victoria we are having some very productive discussions with the department and the government to make this happen as quickly as possible because it is a very tight timeframe,” Ward said.

“We have got assurances from the government and the department that we will have a smooth transition to the new funding arrangements.”

The new schemes comes with conditions insisted on by the federal government. Conditions include that Chaplains must be religious, but not proselytise (seek to convert) students.

Asked if the ban on proselytising worries him, Simpson replies, “No, I don’t have any problems. Students should be able to approach Chaplains without fearing they will be proselytised.”

Ward agrees that ACCESS has no problems with the ban. “It has been part of our policy from the beginning and is strictly enforced.”

He points out that there have only been a small number of complaints made, and proven to be correct in the history of the Chaplaincy programme.

For those concerned that secular workers have been excluded from the programme, Ward states “The federal government, as is its right, has returned the programme to its original purpose (of providing religious chaplains).

“Generally speaking Chaplains form part of a student well-being team in a school, anyway. We have no hesitation in encouraging increased funding for a range of support services that are required for students in our schools.”