Candidates pledge support for Catholic School funding
St Mary MacKillop Catholic College Principal, Michael Lee, addresses the gathering at the beginning of the Parent and School Federal Election Forum
Securing the future of Catholic education was centre stage at the Parent and School Federal Election Forum held last night at St Mary MacKillop College.
Parents, senior students, and school staff gathered to hear from key electoral candidates, including David Smith (Australian Labor Party), David Pocock (ACT Independent Senator), Jacob Vadakkedathu (Liberal Party of Australia), and Dani Hunterford (Australian Greens).
Hosted by the Catholic School Parents Council for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, the forum provided a platform for attendees to raise concerns and ask questions directly to candidates ahead of the 2025 federal election.
“The cost of living is the number one election issue across every state and territory,” Council Executive Officer Sarah Rose said.
“While we know Catholic Education works hard to keep school fees as affordable as possible and to provide financial relief to those in need, we also know that Catholic school families often make significant sacrifices to exercise their choice of schooling. It is vital that federal funding be maintained to ensure parents can choose a Catholic education for their child.”
Electoral candidates, (L-R) David Pocock (ACT Independent Senator), Dani Hunterford (Australian Greens), Jacob Vadakkedathu (Liberal Party of Australia) and David Smith (Australian Labor Party) with Jacinta Collins, Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission.
During the forum, candidates expressed bipartisan support for the ongoing funding of Catholic schools – a commitment warmly welcomed by school leaders.
Holy Rosary Primary School Principal Greg Walker said the event felt like a genuine acknowledgement of the dedication of school communities.
“I’m full of hope that we can secure the funding we need and continue to provide education to students who want to be part of Catholic schools,” he said.
Sacred Heart Primary School Principal David Austin echoed the sentiment, noting the financial pressures facing families.
(L-R) Catholic Primary School principals, David Austin, Sacred Heart Primary School and Greg Walker, Rosary Primary School
“There’s a misconception that Catholic school families are wealthy,” he said.
“The reality is many are struggling—we’re serving breakfast, offering fee relief—they just want their children to receive a Catholic education,” he said.
Jacinta Collins, Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission, praised the forum as a vital opportunity for grassroots voices to be heard.
“The candidates showed a genuine interest in engaging, and it is important for policymakers at the higher levels to get that feedback,” she said
“I am hopeful these commitments from major parties will be honoured. In terms of funding certainty – assurance that existing arrangements will continue and that future policy changes won’t disadvantage Catholic schools; and that our religious liberty to operate as Catholic schools will be supported.”
St Mary Mackillop Catholic School Captains chat with David Pocock and Jacinta Collins
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) said that as Australians prepared to vote in the federal election, Catholics had a vital role in shaping the nation’s future.
“We teach that society must uphold the dignity and freedom of every person, founded in their God-given ability to act according to reason and conscience,” the ACBC Election Statement 2025 reads.
“Religious freedom is a fundamental human right that must be protected for individuals, families, and faith-based institutions. This includes the right to live and act in accordance with moral beliefs, raise children within their faith, and ensure religious organisations can practice their values freely. Parents must have the freedom to choose faith-based schools for their children, with equitable funding to ensure quality education for all.”