Board of Studies Religion Course Syllabus
Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: I ask the Minister for Community Services, as the representative in this House of the Minister for Education and Training, a question without notice. First, is the Minister aware that the proposed syllabus prepared by the New South Wales Board of Studies for the Studies of Religion course is drafted in such a way so as to deny, to a great extent, the Christian heritage of this country? For example, the old unit-1 course had a foundation study looking at the religious heritage of Australia from 1788 to 1901, which highlighted the predominance of Australia’s Christian heritage whereas the current draft syllabus omits this foundation study completely. Second, is the Minister aware that 70 per cent of Australians align themselves with the Christian faith? Is the Minister also aware that the representation of and emphasis on Australia being multi-faith in the draft syllabus negates the predominance of Christianity in present Australia and the fact that Australia, as a nation, has a solid Christian heritage?
The Hon. Michael Egan: The question is out of order.
The Hon. Michael Gallacher: Are you taking a point of order?
The Hon. Michael Egan: No. It’s Christmas!
The Hon. CARMEL TEBBUTT: Despite the interjections, I will refer the question to the Minister in the other place and I undertake to obtain a response for the honourable member.
