[Greens-Media] Mental health must take priority over chaplain program: Greens

[Forsyth, Danielle (Sen P. Wright)]

Senator Penny Wright
MEDIA RELEASE
15 May 2014

Mental health must take priority over chaplain program: Greens
Funding for the National School Chaplaincy Program should be redirected to put qualified mental health workers in every school, says Australian Greens spokesperson for schools and mental health Senator Penny Wright.
"There is a youth mental health crisis in Australia - our students need to have access to qualified professionals," Senator Wright said.
"When teenagers are more likely to die from suicide than car accidents, it's time to make it as easy as possible for every young person to get professional mental health support."
Senator Wright also condemned the government's decision to removing the option for schools employ non-denominational chaplains.
"This is yet another example the government's ideological agenda to remake Australia in their image," she said.
"The separation of church and state should not be eroded - we must maintain a secular and inclusive public school system."

Media contact: Danielle Forsyth 0417 173 508