Historic Collaboration Launches Parliamentary Friends of Religious Schools & Faith Communities
Canberra, Australia: In a remarkable display of unity and collaboration, the Islamic Schools
Association of Australia has joined forces with Christian Schools Australia and the Australian
Association of Christian Schools (AACS) to establish the Parliamentary Friends of Religious
Schools & Faith Communities in the Australian Parliament in Canberra. The official launch
of this groundbreaking initiative took place where Br Abdullah Khan, Chair of the Islamic
Schools Association of Australia, delivered a powerful speech.
The event was graced by the presence of esteemed members of Parliament and Senators including the honorable Senator Fatima Payman. The group is co-chaired by Senator Deborah O’Neill and Mr Julian Lesse MP.
Br Abdullah Khan’s speech emphasized the pivotal role of faith-based schools in Australia’s educational landscape. He highlighted the remarkable growth of Islamic schools, a testament to the trust and confidence parents place in these institutions. The growth reflects a strong demand for education that integrates faith, culture, and academic excellence.
The Chair underscored the importance of parental choice in education, advocating for the freedom of parents to choose educational settings that align with their values. He expressed gratitude to the members of the Parliamentary Friends of Religious Schools & Faith Communities for recognizing the significance of faith-based education in Australian society.
Br Abdullah Khan conveyed the commitment of Islamic schools to providing high-quality
education while nurturing a strong sense of community and belonging. He emphasized the
empowerment of students with skills and knowledge, coupled with the instillation of values
such as empathy, kindness, and integrity.
The establishment of the Parliamentary Friends group marks a monumental achievement,
providing faith-based schools with a vital platform to advocate and lobby for shared interests
within the Australian Parliament. The collaboration aims to ensure that every child in
Australia, regardless of their faith or background, has access to high-quality education that
nurtures their mind, body, and spirit.
As the Parliamentary Friends of Religious Schools & Faith Communities takes its first steps,
the collaboration between Islamic and Christian schools signals a commitment to building a
future where diversity is celebrated, understanding is fostered, and respect for one another
prevails.
This historic initiative is poised to contribute significantly to the dialogue surrounding
education, faith, and harmony in Australia, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive
future for all.
ISAA Media Statement on Palestine
28th October 2023: Amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis in Palestine, the Islamic Schools Association of Australia strongly condemns the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We firmly support peace, adherence to international law, and the protection of civilian lives.
The recent events have deeply saddened us. Since October 7, more than 8,000 people have been killed, including over 3,000 children and this number keeps increasing on a daily basis. This dire situation is profoundly affecting our school communities, a significant number of whom have relatives and cherished ones residing in Gaza and the Occupied Territories. The continuous targeting of numerous hospitals, places of worship such as mosques and churches, schools, shelters, and designated safe zones has had a devastating impact.
We stand in solidarity with the global community in condemning the deliberate and indiscriminate targeting of civilians, including innocent children, women, and the elderly. We also condemn the inhumane occupation of Palestine and the blockade of Gaza’s 2 million residents.
The pain and distress caused by these events extend far beyond the Middle East. Australian Muslims, along with all individuals who value peace, are deeply affected by this violence.
We are very concerned about the recent rise in Islamophobia, and anti[1]Palestinian racism that has infiltrated public discourse. Racism and discrimination is extremely damaging and serves to fracture communities.
We call upon the Australian Government, as well as faith leaders, organisations, and the global community, to demand an immediate ceasefire and the permanent end to the occupation of the Palestinian people. The path to peace is challenging, but it must be pursued with unwavering determination and a deep commitment to justice.
We pray for a future where the suffering of the Palestinian people is alleviated, and where the calls for peace and justice drown out the sounds of violence and hatred.