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Chaplaincy program goes ahead

The federal government is giving money to the states to ensure the controversial school chaplaincy program continues.

A High Court decision in June ruled that the commonwealth had no executive power to fund the national program, limiting its ability to administer and directly fund it.

The government is now inviting the states and territories to opt-in to a new arrangement whereby they receive $243 million in federal funding, but run the program themselves.

Participation is voluntary, meaning some states could opt out.

In its effort to protect to program, the government said school chaplains made a valuable contribution to the wellbeing of students and school communities.

CONDITIONS ON STATES:

* Participation by schools and students is voluntary

* All schools in a jurisdiction must be invited to apply for funding for a school chaplain

* Chaplains may be from any faith

* Chaplains are not permitted to proselytise and must respect, accept and be sensitive to other people’s views, values and beliefs

* Chaplains must comply with state and territory laws and policies in relation to child protection matters and meet minimum qualification requirements.

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