Secular Party – Gillard’s Election Sweeteners – ILLEGAL

MEDIA RELEASE
9 August 2010
Gillard’s Election Sweeteners – ILLEGAL
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has made two announcements in two
days that flagrantly disregard both the letter and spirit of the
Australian Constitution. On 8 August she announced not only that
she was continuing John Howard’s national Chaplaincy program in
public schools, but that she would extend it to the tune of $220
million. On 9 August that was backed up by a promise to donate
$1.5 million to the Roman Catholic Church on the canonisation of
Mary Mackillop.
Senate Candidate for Tasmania, Jeff Keogh said that by
announcing the use of the public purse to promote and support a
religion, the Prime Minister has declared herself at odds with the
Constitution. Section 116 of the Constitution of Australia makes it
clear that government and religion are to be separate. It is
unconstitutional for the Australian government to discriminate
against any religion, and it is equally unconstitutional for it to
promote or support any religion.
Mr Keogh also said, “The Secular Party of Australia is calling on
the Prime Minister to immediately recognise that her actions, in
failing to be neutral with regard to religion, are to the detriment of
the Australian Commonwealth and its people. The Secular Party is
likewise calling upon the Prime Minister to correct her actions and
withdraw her offer of public funds for any religious groups.
“Freedom of religion is only possible in a secular society, and it is
that freedom that the Prime Minister’s actions put at risk. “
A new player in Federal politics, the Secular Party of Australia was
formed by a group of concerned Australians in response to the
increasing influence of religion in government, and the growing
interference of governnment in religion. The party is fielding 31
candidates in the Federal election, including Senate Candidates in
every state and 19 Candidates for the House of Representatives.
For further information please visit www.secular.org.au.
Jeff Keogh Dr John Perkins
Senate Candidate for Tasmania Senate Candidate for Victoria
0438 018 884 President, Secular Party of Australia
0411 143 744