THE discussion of amendments to the State Anti-Discrimination Act (ADA) of 1991 continues to dominate media attention.
At a meeting convened by Premier Beattie on November 25, attended by senior ministers Anna Bligh (Education) and Rod Welford (Attorney-General), the eloquence, passion and consistency of speakers not in favour of the proposed amendments was overwhelming.
Our Premier and ministers were present to advance a position and listen. Central to the debate were propositions by non-government, largely religious based, school people that teaching is much more than instructional and knowledge competency.
Teachers ‘are the curriculum’ in that they model and witness to what knowledge is important, how it is best conveyed and how it is integrated with a view of life and the world that is contributory.
For faith-based schools, this modelling is centred on beliefs and values that are not only 9 to 3 in delivery, but ideally lived out 24-7.
Central to the amendments is the Government exemption, which currently gives schools a capacity to pursue expectations of staff based on genuine occupational requirements. Currently, this applies to the workplace only.
If staff within faith-based schools are to be able to exercise some integrity in their vocation, not be labelled as hypocritical, and thereby exercise consistency in belief, values and behaviour, then this exemption must apply outside of the workplace as well.
For the good of staff, the expectation of families and the legitimate needs of young people to experience consistent modelling, then this is imperative.
The amendments to the ADA go too far. The intentions of the Government to legitimately support the right of all are worthy of our support and appreciation.
However, to pursue amendments, which, in the process, deny other rights, appears as equally unacceptable.
A course of action that may lead people into social disobedience is not appropriate, particularly in a context where Church-based schools have supported, and continue to support, the needs of many within the community.
The issue is complex and the potential for division is great.
There are no simple solutions, perhaps with the exception that freedom of the person, of groups, of institutions to associate is paramount and that, in the process, the good of others is not compromised.
Premier Beattie and Ministers Welford and Bligh need our support, as we need theirs.
DR BILL SULTMANN
Director
Toowoomba Catholic Education Office
Toowoomba, Qld
