Following the new Victorian Labor government's announcement of an equality portfolio under the responsibility of Martin Foley, a coalition of prominent national religious organisations has raised objections shortly after the publicisation of Foley's plans in the media on Sunday. Leaders from the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL), the Catholic Education Office and Christian Schools Australia (CSA) all engaged with Fairfax Media on Monday to not only explain their opposition to Mr Foley's immediate priorities, but to also outline their own corresponding plans.
The common thread that unites the statements from the three bodies is an acceptance of the current Victorian legislation regarding adoption and employment discrimination. Monday's publicity is not without a history, as prior to the state election that was held at the end of November, a statement was released by religious leaders urging Labor to abandon its equality plan—Labor had first proposed the changes in 2010, but the successive Coalition government refused to support the plan.
Chief executive of the CSA, Stephen O'Doherty, is not showing restraint about the Andrews government's perseverance, describing the law reform process as an "ideological attack on religion". Furthermore, the Association is not going to concern itself with lobbying activities among the wider community, as O'Doherty revealed that their intention is to communicate directly with upper house Members of Parliament to block changes that are "not warranted". Catholic Education Office executive director Stephen Elder reiterated O'Doherty's point by asserting that the current legislation strikes a fair balance.
While CSA is speaking with MPs, the Australia Catholic Lobby has called upon its thousands of community members throughout the state to send written protests to government Members. Victorian director Dan Flynn informed the press that he is particularly concerned that Christian schools will be unable to turn away job applicants who hold views that are fundamentally opposed to the objectives of such institutions. The new Victorian Labor government seeks to make it more difficult for faith-based bodies to discriminate against employees on the basis of sexual preference, gender identity, marital status or religious beliefs.
Responding to Mr Flynn's issue, Mr. Foley explained that the "vital" changes to Victoria's discrimination legislation will mean that an "inherent requirement test" will prevent employees in non-teaching positions, such as gardeners, from being fired. Victorian Labor maintains that discrimination will still be permissible if a hiring decision would "hurt religious sensibilities".
Melbourne Catholic Archbishop Denis Hart, who was one of the leaders involved in the delivery of the pre-election statement, did not speak to the media on Monday.