At the Divine Mercy Shrine, we know how deeply our community values the formation of our children and grandchildren. Parents and carers make intentional sacrifices every day so their children can attend faith-based schools—places where gospel values, morning prayers, and Christian ethos are integrated into every part of school life.
However, proposed legislative changes in Western Australia could significantly impact the religious freedom of our schools. Father Paul Fox and our shrine community are asking everyone to support a critical petition to protect the future of faith-based education in WA.
What is Happening?
Premier Roger Cook’s government is preparing to rewrite laws regarding how faith-based schools operate across Western Australia. Under the proposed changes, a government tribunal—rather than school leaders and communities—could decide whether a Christian school is permitted to employ teachers and staff who share its faith.
Here are the key concerns:
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Government Oversight on Faith Hiring: A tribunal would sit in judgment over whether a Christian ethos is “inherently required” for specific roles, from classroom teachers to support staff.
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Lack of Transparency: No draft bill has been published, and no open consultation has been held with faith communities, yet Parliament returns on 11 August.
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Impact on School Ethos: The changes could restrict how schools maintain their religious identity and values throughout a student’s education.
This isn’t just about one denomination—it affects every Christian, Islamic, and Jewish school in the state.
Why Your Voice Matters Right Now
The good news is that the bill has not yet been written.
We have a short window of time before Parliament resumes on 11 August. History shows that when faith communities unite and speak up, governments listen—similar proposals were successfully set aside in the past when public concern was made clear.
Once a bill is formally introduced, it becomes much harder to amend. The pressure we apply in the coming weeks is what will shape the outcome.
How You Can Help
Father Paul Fox encourages every member of our Shrine family to take two quick steps today:
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Sign the Petition: Add your name to the petition calling on Premier Roger Cook and Attorney-General Tony Buti to rule out these changes and protect the rights of parents to choose an authentic faith education.
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Spread the Word: Share this post and petition with family, friends, and fellow parents who have children or grandchildren in WA faith-based schools.
“Before a bill is tabled, you have the power to help stop it.”
👉 CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION NOW
“Before a bill is tabled, you have the power to help stop it.”
Let us keep our schools, our teachers, and our leaders in our prayers, and take action together to preserve the values we cherish.