Government response to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade’s Second Interim Report: freedom of religion and belief, the Australian experience
[Extract from response letter to President of the Senate]
Dear President
I am writing to convey the Government’s response to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade’s Second Interim Report: freedom of religion and belief, the Australian experience, which predates the 47th Parliament.
The Government notes each recommendation of the report. However, given the passage of time since the report was tabled, a substantive Government response is no longer appropriate.
Every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to enjoy their life in any Australian community, without prejudice or discrimination. Commonwealth anti-discrimination laws make it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of protected attributes including age, disability, race, sex, intersex status, gender identity, and sexual orientation in certain areas of public life.
The Government recognises the important role that faith-based schools play in our education system and the community. We remain committed to ensuring a balance between protecting students and teachers from discrimination and allowing schools to continue to operate in accordance with their religious ethos. It is the Government’s view that this reform requires a bipartisan approach to proceed in a way that unites, rather than divides, our community.
Please accept this letter as the Government’s response to the Committee’s report. A copy of this letter has also been provided to the Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to the Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
Yours sincerely
[signature redacted]
Michelle Rowland MP