The Australian Government will fund the expansion of an innovative resilience program for school students to reduce religious, racial and cultural intolerance, said a statement from the office of the Minister for Education Mr. Dan Tehan.
The Government is providing $3 million to expand the Anti-Defamation Commission’s Click Against Hate program that develops inter-faith understanding.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the program would expand to reach an additional 500 schools thanks to the funding.
“This program teaches students to take action when they experience intolerance or if they see it happening to others,” Mr Frydenberg said.
“We cannot accept the recent incidents of racial and religious intolerance in our schools and broader community. All of us have a duty to stand up to racism and bigotry.”
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the free program would reach tens of thousands of students over the next four years.
“It’s important to show leadership when it comes to confronting ugliness in our society and these initiatives will help,” Mr Tehan said.
“Expanding this program will help more schools develop strategies to respond to intolerance, so that students feel safe and be able to learn in an environment free of hate.
“Click Against Hate has a proven track record of providing students with valuable strategies and skills to stand up to hate, both online and in the real world.”
Authorised by The Hon Dan Tehan MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Parliament House, Canberra
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Government would also provide $850,000 to contribute to building an interfaith youth and education centre for Newport’s multicultural community in Victoria.
“This funding is supporting infrastructure critical to community harmony, strengthening multicultural ties in Australia,” Mr McCormack said.
“Our investment will make a real difference by delivering sports facilities, a library, a kitchen and classrooms to host workshops, seminars, language classes and sporting programs.”
Chairman, Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich said:
“Bravo to the Federal Government. Today’s announcement is a shining example of true moral leadership, and I commend Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Minister for Education Dan Tehan for this historic investment in the future of our children and our nation. This partnership will empower young people to confront the scourge of antisemitism and bigotry which have reached unprecedented and alarming levels, and build understanding of the value and benefits of diversity and respect. Bigotry and prejudice is not who we are as a people, and the rollout of Click Against Hate to more schools will have an impact for generations to come.”
The Member for Gellibrand Tim Watts and the Member for Chifley Ed Husic also attended the announcement.