This episode explores the topic of Special Religious Education (SRE), or ‘scripture’, in New South Wales’ public schools, and the mounting public opposition to religious missionaries continuing to be allowed to interrupt the curriculum and take over class time. The episode features an interview with Steven Cowgill (4:48), a parent who has recently launched a petition on the New South Wales Parliament website. The petition – open for New South Wales citizens until 12 April 2024 – calls for the Legislative Assembly to ask that the state government amends the Education Act (1990) so that optional SRE and Special Education in Ethics (SEE) run only during participating students' own time, such as breaks or before or after school.
This episode explores the topic of Special Religious Education (SRE), or ‘scripture’, in New South Wales’ public schools, and the mounting public opposition to religious missionaries continuing to be allowed to interrupt the curriculum and take over class time. The episode features an interview with Steven Cowgill (4:48), a parent who has recently launched a petition on the New South Wales Parliament website. The petition – open for New South Wales citizens until 12 April 2024 – calls for the Legislative Assembly to ask that the state government amends the Education Act (1990) so that optional SRE and Special Education in Ethics (SEE) run only during participating students' own time, such as breaks or before or after school.
If you are a citizen of New South Wales, please add your name to the petition. You can sign it here on the New South Wales Parliament website.
In August 2023, the Sydney Morning Herald published an article detailing declining participation rates in SRE and growing opposition to SRE among education sector stakeholders. Read the article here.
At budget estimates in October this year, education minister Prue Car ruled out any changes to the SRE program. Read more about that here.
This year, the Rationalist Society of Australia has raised concerns with Minister Car about the teaching of creationism in Christian SRE. Read more here. Also, the RSA has discovered Islamic teaching materials that warn children of “hellfire” and tell them to not “compromise or change your identity”. Read more here.
The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Campaigns & Communications Coordinator for theRationalist Society of Australia To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.
The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.