Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Dr GOODWIN

 (1)  With regard to the Tasmanian curriculum as taught in public schools throughout Tasmania, is religion part of the curriculum and taught in Tasmanian public schools?

(2)  If so, how is religious education delivered in terms of content and delivery of the subject matter?

ANSWER

Mr President, I thank the honourable member of Murchison for her question.

(1)  The curriculum in Tasmanian government schools is secular and non-sectarian.  However, religious instruction is permitted to be provided should schools receive approval from the Secretary or delegate of the Department of Education.

       Current legislation specifies the maximum number of hours for religious instruction and who may provide this.  Parents may notify the school if they do not wish their child to participate in religious instructing activities.

(2)  It is important to note the difference between religious instruction and religious education.  Religious instruction consists of non-curriculum based religious instruction provided by a member of the clergy or another person authorised to do so by the religious body to which that member or person belongs.  Religious instruction may be provided by an equivalent individual from any faith who meets these criteria.

       Religious education is not part of the Australian Curriculum, which Tasmanian schools deliver to the end of year 10.  There are religious education and curriculum‑based subjects students may elect to enrol in as part of their pre-tertiary studies, that is, in years 11 and 12.