In a historic move, an elected Dutton Coalition Government has pledged up to $8.5 million to support the establishment of Australia’s first Hindu school, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s vibrant Hindu community.
Opposition Leader, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, made the landmark announcement during a visit to the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct, coinciding with the visit of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
“Today’s announcement reaffirms the Coalition’s commitment to faith-based education and community-driven initiatives,” Mr. Dutton stated. “With 684,000 Hindus contributing enormously to Australia’s multicultural fabric, this school is a long-overdue recognition of the community’s vision and dedication.”
Empowering the Hindu Community
Shadow Minister for Education, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson, highlighted the significance of this commitment, acknowledging the Hindu community’s relentless advocacy for a faith-based educational institution.
“The Hindu community has made an incredible impact on Australia, and their call for a dedicated school has been heard,” Senator Henderson said. “It is only fair that Hindu children have the same faith-based educational opportunities as other religious groups.”
The Coalition’s dedication to educational freedom ensures that all families have access to choices that reflect their cultural and spiritual values.
A Vision for the Future
Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Jason Wood MP, emphasized that the proposed school will follow a proven model used by other faith-based institutions, integrating Hindu values alongside the Australian curriculum.
“Hinduism is one of the fastest-growing religions in Australia, and support for a Hindu school has been overwhelmingly evident,” Mr. Wood noted. “This initiative will provide Hindu children with an education that embraces both Australian values and their cultural heritage.”
The Hindu Council of Australia, which has championed this project for over a decade, has played a critical role in making this vision a reality.
A Structured Approach to Success
The Coalition’s funding will be allocated in two stages:
- An initial investment of up to $850,000 will be dedicated to a comprehensive business case assessing feasibility, costs, location, benefits, and risks, ensuring regulatory and planning processes receive the necessary support.
- Once the business case is successfully completed, an additional $7.65 million will be earmarked for capital expenditure to bring the school to life.
The proposed school will follow a structure similar to other independent faith-based institutions, maintaining rigorous education standards while incorporating Hindu teachings, languages, and cultural education.
With this groundbreaking commitment, an elected Dutton Coalition Government looks forward to working closely with the Hindu Council of Australia to make this long-awaited dream a reality for the Hindu community and future generations of students.
