News

Church agencies free to speak after gag lifted
By Market Place
February 13, 2008

Anglican welfare agencies are looking forward to making the most of a new found freedom of speech.

Anglicare Australia has welcomed the decision by the new federal government to remove the 'gag' provisions of government funding agreements imposed by the former Howard government.

The umbrella agency was a long-term critic of the clauses in funding deals which may have prevented church agencies from publicly attacking government policies on welfare.

Over many years, the Howard government led a major expansion in the welfare sector with millions of dollars in funding allocated to church-run agencies, however there was also consistent criticism that the funding was used in an attempt to prevent possible attacks on government policy.

Government leaders denied the agreements were designed to silence church agencies.

"These clauses were perhaps the most draconian and insidious measures in

contracts between government and community organizations," Anglicare Australia Executive Director, Kasy Chambers, said.

"They gave rise to fear, both real and perceived, that organisations which spoke out and represented the people seeking their help would lose their funding."

The new federal government's decision to remove the gag would lead to a more balanced approach to providing welfare services, Anglicare Australia said.

"The removal of these clauses is akin to enabling organisations to advocate against slavery as well as feeding the slaves on the slave ships" Ms Chambers said.

"It takes courage to ask for help and when someone comes to an Anglicare

agency we owe it to them to take their story to the policy makers and

governments and advocate for change. 

"Giving out the tin of soup without being able to talk about the reasons for the need to give out that soup does not enable governments to make the best social policy."

Ms Chambers said Anglican agencies are optimistic the change is an indication of a healthier future relationship with the new government.

"We are hopeful that this is an early sign of a more equal and productive relationship, maybe even partnership, between government and the community

sector" Ms Chambers said.

"Community organisations are an essential part of civil society and it is important that they are able to talk with Government and the media about the

experiences of people who are living in disadvantage.