John Howard, the Prime Minister of Australia, announcement that all parents, regardless of their income, can claim tax rebate for their children's education expenses has been lauded by Christians.
Mike Byrne, the Queensland Catholic Education Commission Executive Director, said the Coalition tax rebate plan for education expenses, valued at around $6 billion, was 'welcome' news to Queensland families who chose a faith-based educational option for their children.
"This Coalition tax rebate plan for education expenses is welcome news for the families of the 121,000 or almost 1 in 5 Queensland children who attend 286 Catholic schools in Queensland," Mr. Byrne said.
"It represents clear recognition of the right of families to choose a Catholic education for their children and of the millions of dollars those families contribute through school-fees and other expenses."
The Christian School Association (CSA), an interdependent network of 150 schools with 55,000 students attending them, also welcomed the Coalition decision to offer tax rebate to parents.
On the CSA website, it states the announcement "will increase the real capacity of families to exercise choice in schooling." Furthermore, the tax-rebate plan will provide a 'welcome' relief for low and middle income families.
Despite the praise flowing to the tax-rebate policy announcement made by the Prime Minister, Mr. Byrne was disappointed that no commitment was made by Mr. Howard to increase funding to operate and maintain schools.