Josh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On 8 November I attended Access ministries’ annual chaplaincy dinner in Melbourne. With terrific addresses from leading psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg and Access ministries CEO Canon Dr Evonne Paddison, the 1,300 guests were provided with a wonderful evening. With 219 chaplains working in 287 schools, Access ministries is the principal provider of primary and secondary school chaplains throughout Victoria and its head office is located in my electorate of Kooyong.

The Judeo-Christian tradition places strong emphasis on the pastoral and educational needs of our community. This is particularly important during the school years of our young people. It is here that the National School Chaplaincy Program established by the Howard government in 2006 and now operating in nearly 2,000 schools across Australia plays an important and constructive role in dealing with the social, developmental and emotional issues facing our children. Just knowing there is a person with whom to open up and talk to on a regular basis can be a great comfort and support. Critical to the chaplaincy program’s success is the effective partnerships that are built with school communities, in particular the principals, teachers, students and their families and friends. The work and mission of Access ministries makes a positive difference in supporting our children. I commend the work of Access ministries in Victoria and the work of the school chaplaincy program across Australia. (Time expired)