Safer schools
17 Jewish day schools have been allocated a $7.5 million share in funding to protect students under the Coalition Government’s $18 million Schools Security Program.
A spokesperson for Federal Minister Justice Michael Keenan sad: “This delivers on our election commitment to continue assistance to schools at risk of attack, harassment or violence caused by racial or religious intolerance.
This support recognises the unique security circumstances that some schools unfortunately face.
For the first time – as committed by the Coalition prior to the election – funding under this programme can now be used to employ security guards, as well as for the installation of security infrastructure, such as closed-circuit television cameras, security lighting and fencing.
The Coalition Government wants to provide a safe environment for students, teachers and staff in Australian schools.
Justice Stephen Rothman
All our children have the right to be educated in a safe and secure setting. The 54 successful schools include:
11 Government schools – $1,931,500
17 Jewish schools – $7,569,100
15 Islamic schools – $4,439,800, and 11 Independent schools – $2,706,200
A total of 210 schools were invited to apply for funding after being nominated by State and Territory Education Ministers and independent schools associations. Of these 98 applications were received and 54 were selected on merit following an assessment of their applications against the criteria set for the Schools Security Programme.
Speaking on behalf of the Australian Council of Jewish School Justice Stephen Rothman told J-Wire: “These election promise funds will help susbidise the high cost of school security”. Justice Rothman pointed out that Melbourne had more need for the cash input as Sydney as the Victorian capital did not boast a JCA which in NSW continues to use funds to address the need of the best security Australian Jewish day schools need to protect their students and staff.
