Religious Instruction by Australian State

The Education Acts of all Australian States and Territories permit religious instruction during regular school hours. However, details about what is permitted and not permitted varies from State to State.

The table below indicates for each state whether the legislation governing education restricts it to ‘secular’ education, the form of religious education the legislation authorizes and whether parents opt in or opt out by default. The table also specifies what happens with children who are opted out and whether general religious education is mandated.

The table reflects the situation as at 22 April 2013. For current details, refer to the relevant government department and to the local Humanist Society.

1. Project Overview
2. Special Religious Instruction Campaign Chronology
3. Parent Responses to Religious Instruction
4. Religious Instruction in State Schools Promotes Prejudice
5. Religious Instruction by Australian State
6. Victorian Education Act – 1950 Amendment