Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about some fantastic news for my electorate of Robertson in regard to the National School Chaplaincy Program. This program provides vital pastoral care services to thousands of students and school communities across Australia. Nineteen schools in my electorate of Robertson, including Woy Woy South Public School, Gosford Public School and Henry Kendall High School are set to benefit.

On budget night, the government announced an extension of the National School Chaplaincy Program on a permanent basis, and we're backing this program with an extra $247 million. Chaplains can now continue their integral role of supporting the health and wellbeing of our students, and school chaplains will now undertake antibullying training provided by the eSafety Commissioner to better support our students. This additional training will better support school chaplains in managing student welfare issues, ensuring they are fully equipped to deal with the challenges in the school community.

I've seen firsthand the positive impact that the National School Chaplaincy Program has had in Robertson and the strong community support that there is behind it. Already I've heard from dozens of local residents who have told me what this announcement means to them. Bill and Judy Wells from Point Clare told me they were excited to know there'll be more ongoing positive input into the lives of our next generation. Bill Dagger from Killcare wrote to me thanking this government for the wise insight to leave some light in our schools. I commend the government on its commitment to this vital program.