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Call for chaplain funds heard

Vanessa SchmittWeekend Kwinana Courier

In a pre-Budget announcement, Education Minister Peter Collier said $2.7 million would be provided to an extra 179 public schools that missed out on the Australian Government's reduced chaplaincy funding in 2015.

"We've listened to the concerns of principals and communities, and all 500 public schools, which identified a need and applied for chaplaincy funding, will now receive it," he said. "I announced before Christmas we would make up the $1.45 million shortfall for another 71 schools to access an in-school chaplain, but it was clear more were needed."

In addition, the State Government has committed $5.05 million to continue the program in 2016.

Further chaplaincy services can also be accessed through a separate State Government program worth $5.68 million a year.

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Treasurer Mike Nahan said chaplains had a positive influence in the lives of many students.

"Students can receive guidance and support in family relationships, bereavements and crisis situations," he said.