The discourse surrounding religious freedom in Australia has become increasingly contentious, especially in the context of schooling. As a former Australian Senator and now as the executive director of the National Catholic Education Commission, I have noted with concern the growing perception that holding religious beliefs and values — and making choices based on them — is somehow discriminatory or at odds with modern society. This misconception must be addressed, particularly as it undermines the very principles of diversity and inclusion that Australia has committed to uphold.
Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. It is enshrined in international law which Australia has ratified, and is also recognised, albeit in a limited way, in our Constitution. Australia’s commitment extends, not only to the freedom to worship, but also to the right to live and teach according to one's religious beliefs and values. For parents, this includes the right to choose an education for their children that aligns with their faith and moral beliefs. Choosing a faith-based school is not an act of exclusion or discrimination; rather, it is a deeply personal decision for parents driven by their desire to raise children in an environment that nurtures not only their academic and cultural development, but also their spiritual formation, understanding of religious teachings, and eternal relationship with God.
In a pluralist society like Australia, diversity is celebrated in many facets of society. We claim to value different perspectives, cultures and lifestyles. Yet, when it comes to religious views and expressions, there is an increasing tendency to marginalise them or regard them as outdated or discriminatory. This is particularly evident in the debate over religious schools and their place in the broader educational landscape with our schools being denied critical resources such as Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships.
Yet, religious schools are one of the fastest growing segments of schooling and play a vital role in Australia’s education system, serving families from a variety of religious backgrounds. Catholic schools have educated millions of young people for over 200 years and have a long-standing tradition of providing quality education that is accessible to all who choose it, regardless of their socio-economic background. The Catholic sector has grown alongside the government sector and is the largest provider of schooling outside of government, and the largest provider of faith-based schooling, currently enrolling 20 per cent or some 805,000 students and employing 109,000 staff across 1,756 schools.
Our schools are guided by a distinct ethos, one that emphasises Catholic social teaching and gospel values such as forgiveness, compassion, respect, and social justice - values that are not only integral to the Catholic faith, but also resonate with the broader community. Our graduates go on to make a meaningful contribution to society through their families, and in ministry, business and not-for-profit organisations, politics and leadership, philanthropy, volunteering and community outreach. The notion that it is somehow discriminatory for religious schools to operate and teach according to their beliefs, or to employ staff who support those beliefs, is a misunderstanding of both the nature of faith-based schools and the rights of the families who choose them.
Parents who enrol their children in religious schools do so because they believe in the value of an education that integrates culture and learning with faith. This choice is an expression of their religious freedom, not an attempt to impose their beliefs onto others. To argue otherwise is to overlook the diversity of educational options available in Australia and the importance of respecting parental choice and rights. One of my often-used examples is the growing community-run Nature School in Port Macquarie where parents who desire an education for their children based on ecology and nature enrol their children. Like other ideological schools such as Montessori and Steiner, The Nature School is funded in part by the government, but we don’t see debate about the selection of staff for these schools.
It is quite hypocritical that many of the organisations calling for limitations on faith-based schools are at the same time being ‘discriminating’ about their own membership. For example, would the Australian Greens Party, be willing to accept members from the coal mining sector?
Religious freedom and other protections, such as those against sexual discrimination, are not mutually exclusive. They can and must coexist in a balanced manner. The challenge lies in finding a path forward that upholds the rights of all individuals while fostering a society that is genuinely inclusive. One way to achieve this balance is through clear and consistent legal protections for religious freedom, alongside robust anti-discrimination laws. Such protections should ensure that religious institutions, including schools, can operate according to their beliefs without fear of reprisal or being forced to compromise their values. At the same time, these laws must also safeguard the rights of individuals who may not share the same beliefs, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect. Catholic schools manage this balance on the whole very well.
'It is not about privileging one set of beliefs over another, but about creating an environment where diverse perspectives can coexist peacefully. This is the essence of true inclusion — one that does not merely tolerate differences, but embraces them as a strength.'
In the absence of proactive legislation to uphold religious freedom, the clumsier but often-used approach of exemptions in legislation protect institutions from unfair discrimination lawfare. This is the current status for faith-based schools in Australia. While it is not wholly desirable and does not address the increasing prevalence of state legislation impinging on faith-based schools, it does offer some safeguards for our schools to continue to build a community of faith.
While it seems, that for now, the Albanese Government’s commitments to introduce religious discrimination legislation have stalled, any path forward must include a broad community and political consensus that protects religious freedom and respects the rights of Australians to hold religious and other beliefs, and ensures families can raise and educate their children according to these beliefs. In a pluralist society, policy making must be based on respect and fair treatment which requires dialogue, understanding, and a willingness to accommodate differing views. It is not about privileging one set of beliefs over another, but about creating an environment where diverse perspectives can coexist peacefully. This is the essence of true inclusion — one that does not merely tolerate differences, but embraces them as a strength.
Jacinta Collins is the Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission and a former Australian Senator for Victoria.