The fight for funds for our ‘chappies’

MAY 6, 2016: I will lead a backbench revolt against any decision to terminate funding for local school chaplains beyond 2018 if I have to, because I am concerned that it is not listed in the Budget's forward estimates.This is a programme I support personally through donations, and it will continue if I have my way.Education Minister Simon Birmingham has said that Federal funding for the School Chaplaincy Programme will continue until the end of the 2018 calendar year, as it was funded as a four year program from 2014. It will then be due for consideration ahead of the 2017-18 Budget.It’s all too common for our kids to be silently suffering through a whole range of problems and concerns and the ability to have someone to go to in their own school can make all the difference in the world.Budgets contain the next financial year and the three financial years after that which are known as the "forward estimates". The funding allocations and revenue collection listed in those years is as the name suggests - an estimate.However, I think some may have underestimated the huge level of support for chaplains from both the public and government backbenchers.It’s an issue I feel very strongly about, and I am determined to see Federal funding secure beyond 2018 and on into the future.Our kids need it and I am sure the vast majority of parents are also comforted to know such support is available.