High Court Challenge decision a victory for democracy

[Centauri]

Thank you, Ron.

[TimB]

A big congratulations Ron, thanks.

[DanDare]

Of course the gummint is yelling that they will fund chaplains anyway. And the judges dismissed the secularism argument. Takes nothing away from Ron's work and the work of all his supporters. Well done one and all.

Now for R.I. eh?

[ptah]

I suspect two steps forwards and one back, given that the government will find another way of carrying on regardless.

Now they're talking of a referendum on recognising local councils which somehow relates to this, but how?

On referenda, I would like to see one on separation of church and state, but given how many have failed perhaps it's not a good idea.

[Fearless]

Fantastic news and hat off to Ron for his monumental efforts and dedication.

It concerns me that the oppositional parties to this decision were so vocal, waving paperwork around their heads at the media talking about the 'consequences' and 'implications' of this ruling that there is no telling what other areas of funding could be affected.

They gave an example of funding for roads on the news and showed school children walking between cars parked during pickup. You know, milking the story.

What is my concern? That the oppositional groups will scheme and plot to find other areas to pick on and make other areas of society pay for its loss, as some form of lesson to us all.

Not that it should affect the CP which is the most important thing, but we should be mindful of a few who will be hellbent on 'retribution'.

[Larsson]

I don't see why this is regarded as a great victory.
We lost on the issue of secularism. The high court again confirmed that we do not have a separation of church and state.

The only good thing as I see it is that Ron was awarded costs, and that the the issue got some press.

Chaplaincy program is continuing without pause. The government will just legislate around this and continue it.

Or am I missing something?

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[Bolero]

Originally Posted by Larsson

I don't see why this is regarded as a great victory.
We lost on the issue of secularism. The high court again confirmed that we do not have a separation of church and state.

The only good thing as I see it is that Ron was awarded costs, and that the the issue got some press.

Chaplaincy program is continuing without pause. The government will just legislate around this and continue it.

Or am I missing something?

While I feel that Ron's efforts here have been awesome, and that certainly this case has greatly increased public recognition of this issue, I understand what you are saying here. The government has already indicated it has no intention of cancelling the program, and has actually talked explicitly about changing legislation, rather than examining the program or funding allocations.

We can only hope the anti-CP voices grow as a result of this.

NSW Greens MP John Kaye wants child welfare workers to replace school chaplains after the High Court ruled that commonwealth funding of the Government's National School Chaplaincy Program was invalid.

...continued

[Fearless]

It is a big step in the right direction. If Ron felt that his efforts were for nill all then why bother? It is also sending a strong message out there that obviously people cannot just ignore.

Groups and individuals really have to keep pushing forward and all victories celebrated.

Gain momentum and more ground and there's no telling where you could end up.

[fudge]

how does it actually be considered a win for secularism?
all it has done has shown up a glitch in the political processes, the word I hear is that it can be easily fixed.......
Ron Williams has done nothing except highlight political incompetence, the chaplaincy scheme will continue as normal......
Celebrations because he won? read through the decision the celebration is very hollow......
Appears to be a great waste of time and resource.
The result: Chaplains are still in schools, Gilliard, Garrett, Abbott and co will put it through properly as they all support it.
What kind of atheist is julia??