The Promise of Australia’s First Hindu School
Australia is on the brink of welcoming its inaugural Hindu school, as both major political parties, the Coalition and Labor, have pledged support for the establishment of this landmark educational institution.
The Coalition’s Financial Backing
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced that the Coalition plans to allocate $8.5 million towards the development of the Hindu school. The initial $850,000 will be designated for the Hindu Council of Australia to conduct a feasibility study, with an additional $7.65 million earmarked for capital expenditures upon the completion of the study.
“The 684,000-strong Hindu community in Australia plays a significant role in enriching our multicultural fabric,” Dutton emphasized. “The establishment of the first Hindu school is a pivotal step in realizing the vision of the Hindu community.”
Labor’s Endorsement
Last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed Labor’s support for the proposed school, which is set to be managed by the Hindu Education and Cultural Centre. The organization has already secured land in Sydney’s north-west.
The Hindu population in Australia has seen a notable increase, rising from 440,300 individuals in 2016 to 684,002 people in 2021. Currently, almost 2.7% of the Australian populace identifies as Hindus, demonstrating a growth from 1.9% five years earlier.
Coalition’s Mental Health Initiative
Alongside the commitment to the Hindu school, the Coalition also unveiled plans to enhance mental health services in Australia. This includes a proposal to double the number of subsidized psychology sessions available through Medicare.
Liberal senator Anne Ruston, standing alongside Dutton in a press conference in Parramatta, disclosed that the Coalition intends to reinstate the annual cap on subsidized psychology sessions to 20 per person. This decision comes in response to the reduction of sessions to 10 in 2022, which sparked criticism from patients and mental health professionals.
Ruston further pledged an additional $5 million in funding towards a Headspace youth mental health center in Parramatta, underlining the government’s commitment to prioritizing mental well-being.