As you would be well aware, the Australian Federal Election will be held this coming Saturday. I am most thankful that we live in a nation that has a stable governing framework in which we have the opportunity to vote and democratically shape our nation’s leadership, which will in turn influence our lives and those of our children.
And so, as it is with all opportunities, I wish to encourage you to make the most of it and vote in an informed way.
Housing affordability and cost of living have captured the greatest attention of the community, which has left less space, to this point, for other issues including health care, climate and energy, and immigration. Amongst these other important issues is the issue of education, and in particular, the essential role independent school choice plays in Australian society.
As Australians face growing cost-of-living pressures, a parent’s right to choose affordable, quality education for their child is more important than ever. Independent schools, educating over 716,800 students across our country (including 157,000 students with disability and 19,000 Indigenous students), play a crucial role in delivering that choice.
Media often portrays independent schools as elite; however, 60% of families who choose them come from low and middle-income backgrounds and make significant sacrifices to provide what they believe is the best education for their children’s future.
Unfortunately, the conversation around education has been overtaken by divisive rhetoric. Ill-informed critics overlook the reality that families are not only making significant financial sacrifices but are also contributing their own resources to give their children opportunities that are available to them.
The reality is that independent schools save governments education funding, which can be made available to be directed further into public education.
It is important that we recognise that any change to reduce government funding of independent schools will lead to uncertainty in relation to school tuition fees. Therefore, how you vote in both the lower and upper houses of parliament will have implications for our school and its families.
William Carey Christian School is committed to transforming the lives of our students through proclaiming the gospel and delivering an excellent Christian education in a manner that is accessible to the whole community. To continue to serve our community, as we have for more than 40 years, we rely on the protection of parental choice in Australian independent schooling. Your vote has a voice in this issue.
Our school is a member of both Independent Schools Australia (ISA) and the Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) who have prepared policy priorities for the upcoming election.
As you vote, consider these policy positions carefully and those of the candidates on your ballot paper. If you wish to read more, their websites are included below.
Australian Association of Christian Schools:
These representative groups have been in close dialogue with both the major parties and independents.
Key outcomes from the ISA campaign advocacy include:
However, some concerns about fairness and choice in education remain.
I will never tell you how to vote – that choice is yours alone – but it is important that you have the facts and the confidence to make your voice count. The ISA School Choice Counts website is a very helpful resource to gain these facts.
As we approach election day, I encourage you to reflect deeply on the values and opportunities you want to preserve for your children and our wider community. Parental choice, educational diversity, and access to high-quality schooling are fundamental to Australia’s future. Thank you for continuing to support William Carey Christian School and for partnering with us in transforming lives through the hope of the gospel and the delivery of an excellent Christian education.
God bless,
Keith McMullen
Principal