The National School Chaplaincy Association in their research findings ³ found that 95% of chaplains reported dealing with behaviour management issues such as anger, 92% with bully and harassment, 91% with student family relationship issues, there were also self esteem issues, grief and loss and 44% dealt with self harm and suicide. The report then goes on to indicate that few of the chaplains have training as psychologists or counsellors.  In fact, most of them have qualifications in theology, pastoral care or children’s/youth work⁴

In their submission to the consultation process for the National School Chaplaincy Program, the Australian Psychological Society raises serious doubts about the skill level of the chaplains, and their abilities to deal with very complex personal matters. They say that the government is supporting a scheme that allows unregistered and unqualified school chaplains to work outside their boundaries of spirituality and religion.  They also say in the report that their is clear evidence that school chaplains are engaging in duties for which they are not qualified.⁵

I also note that the NSCA lists the church backgrounds of the chaplains, and they all appear Christian.

Chaplains come from a wide range of church backgrounds, from the mainstream Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox and Uniting denominations through to the congregationally-oriented Baptists and Churches of Christ to some of the newer Pentecostal and charismatic denominations. No one denomination was dominant in this mix.⁶

There doesn’t appear to be much outside the mainstream Christian church,which must be a worry for other denominations.

The Secular Party of Australia policy is that the National School Chaplaincy Program be replaced with a program supporting qualified counsellors in schools.

The electors of Melbourne Ports should ask what Michael Danby has done to ensure that all his constituents are treated fairly, that no single religion is treated differently.

A vote for the Secular Party of Australia is a vote to remove the special privileges that Christianity has in our political system.  Removing religion from state allows all to follow their personal beliefs without government funding or favouritism.  Our schools need properly trained counsellors and psychologists, not chaplains.