Speaking Up – Biblical Insights for the task of government

“States arise in a society when the inter-relationships between groups or entities within a particular territory requires central administration for the dispensation of justice.”

Recognise Office

COMMAND & CONTROL FEATURES WITHIN AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION ACT REVIEW BROAD RESPONSES AACS applauds the broad philosophical direction that the government has outlined in empowering schools at a local level by reducing unnecessary bureaucratic intrusion and cumbersome regulatory burdens that are required within the Australian Education Act AACS looks forward to seeing the positive outcomes that will result from greater autonomy, flexibility and choice at the local school level. AACS agrees that the primary focus of government should be on assisting schools to improve educational outcomes and not to require detailed reporting which soaks up so much school leadership and bureaucratic attention. Unnecessary regulation and compliance administration is a costly burden to all involved and may ultimately impact negatively on educational outcomes. Aspects of the present regulatory regime are unwelcome intrusions into the reasonable autonomy of independent school authorities. The increasingly regulatory landscape has diminished the ability schools to shape their own distinctive character as an outworking of their charter. AACS welcomes simplified, ‘one-stop-shop’ forms of reporting that streamline the administration of financial and general accountability requirements. Duplication of reporting between government departments; state and federal governments and the overlap of having to provide data for My School and other forums, is all unhelpful. At the same time, AACS endorses the retention of a range of reasonable accountability measures that are ‘light touch’ and ‘user-friendly’. Governments should ensure that schools are making an appropriate use of public funds, setting guidelines that are in keeping with broad community expectations.

Command and Control AACS agrees that the primary focus of government should be on assisting schools to improve educational outcomes and not to require detailed reporting which soaks up so much school leadership and bureaucratic attention. Unnecessary regulation and compliance administration is a costly burden to all involved and may ultimately impact negatively on educational outcomes.

Command and Control Aspects of the present regulatory regime are unwelcome intrusions into the reasonable autonomy of independent school authorities. The increasingly regulatory landscape has diminished the ability schools to shape their own distinctive character as an outworking of their charter.

Command and Control At the same time, AACS endorses the retention of a range of reasonable accountability measures that are ‘light touch’ and ‘user-friendly’. Governments should ensure that schools are making an appropriate use of public funds, setting guidelines that are in keeping with broad community expectations.

Recognise Office – boundaries and responsibilities Acts 17: 26, 27 “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God.”

Rule for Justice

Rule for justice 9 Praise be to the L ORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the L ORD ’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.” I Kings 10 Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon 6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!

Rule for justice “Give the King thy justice, O God, and thy righteousness to the royal son!” …. “May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor!” Ps 72

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Rule for Justice Protect Rights

Protecting Rights Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Article 26. (3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Protecting Rights “We would welcome a less self-interested approach. If we could see a steady, dependable, reasonable and fair funding system emerge we’d even work through the challenges that might come with receiving less from the public purse. We want certainty of school funding.” AACS submission – Senate Select Committee on School Funding May 16 th, 2014

Serve with Authority Submission to Governing Authorities Romans 13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.

Serve with Authority NeedNature PurposeWhere from?

“Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Lord Acton

Beware the Dangers Almighty God, we humbly beseech Thee to vouchsafe Thy blessing upon this Parliament. Direct and prosper our deliberations to the advancement of Thy glory, and the true welfare of the people of Australia. Our Father, which art in Heaven: Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdome come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven….

Beware the Dangers

Speaking Up – Biblical Insights for the task of government 1.Recognise Office - responsibility and boundaries 2.Do Justice 3.Protect Rights 4.Serve with Authority 5.Beware the Dangers