The Federal Government is a strong defender of traditional rights and liberties, and is committed to protecting freedom of religion. All Australians should be free to choose their religion, and be entitled to express and practise their beliefs, without intimidation or interference, as long as those practices are within the framework of Australian law.
The government recognises it is important for religious educational institutions to be able to operate consistently with their religious doctrines. While the government will introduce amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 to strengthen the current protections for students against discrimination from religious educational institutions, the issues relating to employment are more complex and require careful consideration. The government considers it more appropriate that the exemptions relating to employment be considered as part of the broader response to the Religious Freedom Review.