Jewish day schools say Thank You
The Australian Council of Jewish Schools has expressed its thanks to the Federal Government for its assistance in upgrading security.
The Australian Council of Jewish Schools (ACJS) represents Jewish schools throughout Australia.
The ACJS welcomes the Secure Schools Programme funding announced today in Sydney. The announcement delivers the Coalition election commitment to continue assistance to schools at risk of attack, harassment, or violence resulting from racial or religious intolerance. The ACJS thank the Australian Government for delivering on this promise to help keep our children learning in safe environments. In particular, the Jewish schools would like to express their deep gratitude for allowing reimbursement of some expenditure on guards, where federal law enforcement authorities assess a need for such measures. We would especially thank the Attorney General, The Hon Senator Brandis, Minister Keenan and Minister Frydenberg for their understanding and commitment on these issues of safety for our schoolchildren, a fundamental aspect of democratic Australia.
Our schools have expended and continue to expend significantly greater amounts than have been allocated now or in the past. While these grants are insufficient to meet all of the expenditure that has been assessed as necessary, the funding recognises the unique security circumstances that some schools unfortunately face and helps address the issues. The funding allows schools to apply limited available parental funds toward much-needed student educational programs the scope or availability of which would otherwise be restricted.
Jewish schools, with others assessed as having similar needs, have undertaken extraordinary expenditure, which, in part, reflects the risk to our schools and their students. It is sad that such expenditure, on the best advice available to the government, is necessary and the continued support to address these needs is very much appreciated
We thank the Australian Government for their continuing support and the Coalition for implementing its commitment.
