Joint media release
Leader of the Opposition, Hon Peter Dutton MP
Shadow Minister for Education, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson
Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Hon Jason Wood MP
An elected Dutton Coalition Government will provide up to $8.5 million to support the establishment of Australia’s first Hindu school.
The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, made the announcement at a visit to the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct to coincide with the visit of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
“Today’s announcement reaffirms the Coalition’s support for faith-based education and community-led initiatives.
“The 684,000-strong Hindu community in Australia makes an enormous contribution to our multicultural character. This important announcement of the first Hindu school to be established is an important recognition of the Hindu community’s vision to have a Hindu school finally realised,” Mr Dutton said.
The Shadow Minister for Education, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson, said the funding would provide a much-needed boost to the Hindu community, which has long advocated for a dedicated faith-based school.
“The Hindu community has made an incredible contribution to our community and they have been calling for this school. It is only fair that Hindu children have access to the same faith-based educational opportunities as other religious groups,” Senator Henderson said.
“The Coalition is committed to ensuring freedom of choice in education, and we are proud to support this initiative, which will foster academic excellence and support cultural heritage knowledge.
Therese Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Jason Wood MP, said the school would follow a model similar to other faith-based institutions, delivering a curriculum that integrates Hindu values alongside the Australian curriculum.
“Hinduism is one of the fastest-growing religions in Australia, and the community support for a Hindu school has become more evident.”
“This initiative will ensure that Hindu children have access to an education that embraces both Australian values and their cultural identity,” Mr Wood said.
The Hindu Council of Australia has worked over the past decade to bring this project to life, highlighting the importance of a dedicated Hindu school for the community.
The proposed school will follow a structure similar to independent faith-based schools with appropriate safeguards, adhering to curriculum and education standards applicable to all Australian schools while incorporating Hindu teachings, languages, and cultural education.
The funding will be provided to the Hindu Council of Australia with an initial investment of up to $850,000 for a business case to appropriately assess feasibility, costs, location, benefits and risks to ensure the location of the school, regulation and planning processes get the backing they need. A further $7.65 million will be set aside for capital expenditure once the business case is successfully completed.
An elected Dutton Coalition Government looks forward to working with the Hindu Council of Australia to ensure this groundbreaking project comes to fruition.