Julie Bishop, the Federal Education, Science and Training Minister said she has received an overwhelming response to the first round of funding under the National School Chaplaincy program with 15% of all Australian schools applying.
Ms. Bishop said the program is important to students seeking pastoral counseling and support for their spiritual wellbeing. She further added recipients of the funding will be announced next month.
"This is an important programme assisting schools in providing greater pastoral care and supporting students' spiritual wellbeing," Ms. Bishop said. "The assessment of applications is proceeding and I expect to announce the results of the first round of funding next month."
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that interest have already been expressed by different Christian denominations and private schools. However the bulk of the request for funding comes from public schools.
The Federal Government will spend $90 million over three years for this program, which gives $20,000 a year for a chaplain of any religious affiliation. A new government guideline has been implemented which stipulates that the chaplain should not preach religion, reported the Cathnews.
The application is assessed against the following criteria: community consultation; school community need for chaplaincy services; value for money; and cash/in-kind support.