Media Release from Senator Ron Boswell, The National Senator for Queensland
2 August 2010
“The only way to be sure of keeping your school chaplain is to elect a Coalition government,†said The Nationals’ Senator Ron Boswell today. “Tony Abbott is committed to keeping the program going at present funding levels of $165m over three years.â€
“Labor on the other hand has reduced funding which is designed to finish in 2011. There are no promises beyond a departmental review.â€
“Chaplains play a valuable role in schools, supporting students and school communities by offering pastoral care and guidance.â€
“The National School Chaplaincy Program was introduced by the former Coalition Government and enabled schools to employ a part-time school chaplain, with the purpose of providing pastoral care and non-denominational spiritual guidance in schools.â€
Senator Boswell said that the program operates in 1,915 schools where the local community has sought to be involved with the program, and enjoys strong support among principals, schools and in the community generally.
“The chaplaincy program has been particularly successful in helping students with behaviour management issues and those that may have difficulties in their social relationships. If the program were to cease, this decision would most disadvantage those students that battle with loneliness or bullying at schools and students who have difficulties in their families.â€
“The Coalition has already announced our commitment to continuing support for the great work chaplains are doing in our schools through the National School Chaplaincy Program.â€
“A Coalition Government will make it an ongoing program and will continue funding at its present levels – $165 million over 3 years.â€
“Labor has responded with only a temporary one year extension to the program until the end of 2011, at a reduced funding rate, with a review of the program being conducted by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.â€
“The Government’s announcement does not go far enough. It does not allow for any new Chaplains to be engaged and it does not provide certainty into the future for Chaplains.â€
“The only candidate for Prime Minister who has pledged ongoing support for school chaplains is Tony Abbott.â€
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I would like to pass the following message on for any Parramatta and surrounding suburbs Christian residents who are interested. Labor and the Greens are trying to get the Christian vote in the electorate of Parramatta NSW, and will try to deceive as many as they can.
“There will be an Election Forum asking the question: ‘How should Australia help the world’s poor?’ to be held at Parramatta Town Hall on Sunday 15 August at 11.30am, with guests including Federal MP for Parramatta Julie Owens (ALP) and Australian Greens candidate for Parramatta Phil Bradley. The discussions will be moderated by Scott Higgins, Education and Advocacy Coordinator for Baptist World Aid Australia.
For further details contact Greg Wood from Parramatta Baptist Church on 0412 562 144.â€
Regards,
Maria
Top Lib wins respect by degrees
Interesting findings!!!
JULIA Gillard might be trying to brand Tony Abbott as economically illiterate but the Opposition Leader has a degree in the field.
A crude analysis of the qualifications of the competing front benches also reveals that five Coalition shadow ministers hold university degrees in economics and commerce, compared with just two from the Labor Party.
Abbott’s early years are mostly remembered for his sporting prowess, theological bent and his combative approach to student politics.
But his academic resume is respectable to say the least.
Schooled at Sydney’s St Ignatius College, Riverview, where he earned prizes in history and religious studies, the would-be prime minister then completed a double degree in economics and law from the University of Sydney. Two fellow students, who asked not to be named for fear of appearing partisan in the midst of an election campaign, told The Australian yesterday that Abbott had a solid grasp of economic theory.
Back in the late 1970s, the issue of the day was the debate between traditional “Keynesian” macro-economists — who favoured state intervention as proposed by British economist John Maynard Keynes — and free-marketeers and monetary theorists like Milton Friedman. According to one of those peers, now a senior banker, “Abbo” was an “active participant” in this classroom debate.
“He knows about the levers that government and the regulatory authorities can use to manage demand, inflation, and interest rates,” the banker said.
“His knowledge is solid and deep. To suggest otherwise is ridiculous.”
Abbott had also been a vociferous opponent of the university bowing to student demands for a new field of study known as political economy, which sought to teach economics in a more pluralist fashion.
Another alumnus from Sydney University recalled Abbott “effortlessly” completing his studies while juggling his time as a rugby front-rower and warring with resident “lefties” on the Student Representative Council.
“He always did a million other things, but academically he was quite gifted. He did it effortlessly. He did have the worst handwriting at uni, though. It was a terrible scrawl.”
Abbott subsequently earned a Rhodes scholarship to study at Oxford, where he completed a masters in politics and philosophy.
The scholarship demands students have an outstanding academic record — although “competence” can suffice as other factors such as community work, leadership and sporting activities are taken into account.
Abbott’s office was yesterday unable to provide a breakdown of his subjects and scores at short notice.
With Labor rolling out TV ads featuring prominent Liberals Peter Costello and John Hewson questioning his talent and interest in the economy, the Coalition has produced a table revealing that just two Labor ministers hold degrees in economics or commerce — Financial Services Minister Chris Bowen and Small Business Minister Craig Emerson, who also has a PhD and a masters in the discipline.
The Prime Minister has an arts/law degree while Wayne Swan has an arts degree.
Five Coalition frontbenchers hold a degree in those fields, among them finance spokesman Andrew Robb, and shadow assistant treasurer Sussan Ley.
Every little bit good news is good!!
Ultimately, to GOD, we still have to plea. have mercies O LORD, on Australia. Grant us a godly government, to rule in righteousness and truth. Ruling in the fear of GOD.
Betty in PNG