RUDD AND ABBOTT OUTLINE THEIR POLICIES TO THE CHRISTIAN CONSTITUENCY

Editors note: The live debate between the leaders of our major political parties, organised by the Australian Christian Lobby, was held in front of a distinguished audience of Christian leaders in Canberra last week. It has been overtaken to some extent by subsequent events. The assurances on policy given by Kevin Rudd, particularly those related to moral and ethical issues, are unlikely to be able to be relied upon given that new Labor leader and Prime Minister Julia Gillard has indicated her position as a non-believer, evidenced further by her decision to reject the Bible at her swearing in as the new Prime Minister. For the record however we publish this summary of the policy positions as outlined by both Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott.   
 
This summary, compiled immediately after the debate and before the change of Prime Minister, has been written by Russell Powell who has more than 30 years experience across all forms of media, with a long career as one of Australian radio's most prominent journalists and presenters. He was one of the pioneers of the ABC's News Radio network. As well as his on-air work, he has taught at the Australian Film, TV and Radio School. He is now the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney's Media Adviser.

The Australian Christian Lobby’s second leaders' debate has been broadcast live from Canberra to hundreds of churches around the country. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition leader Tony Abbott gave prepared speeches outlining policy, and then answering questions asked by leaders and representatives of various denominations on issues considered of particular interest and concern to the Christian constituency.

On issues such as support for school chaplaincy, gay marriage and prayer in Parliament, both Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott took similar lines. Mr Rudd was first to speak, saying “I am proud of the role played by the Christian churches in shaping this country”.  He then read a list of basic social institutions such as schools hospitals and orphanages which he said “began on the back of Christian churches.” Nevertheless he said there was great wisdom that the founding fathers decided their would not be an established religion.

Standing on his record, Mr Rudd said “one of our priorities has been to engage with churches in the education system of Australia.” Referring to the building programme which is part of the national economic stimulus strategy, Mr Rudd said “we have been blind to whether it is a government or non government school.”

In his address Mr Abbott spoke of the Howard years and policies towards independent schools, the baby bonus, and his personal efforts for the pregnancy support hotline. He drew nods of approval when he recalled that he had argued against anti-discrimination principles being applied to church-based bodies. He said despite his respect for John Howard, he would be more ‘progressive’. “Values do not change but how they express themselves in policy should and can change over time” Mr Abbott said. Both sides claimed ‘balance’ when it comes to the refugee issue.

One of the key differences was when Mr Rudd referred to the blocking of labour’s emission’s policy. Mr Rudd said the Governments policy on climate change was in stark contrast to his opponents because he acknowledged ‘the science is clear’. Mr Abbott raised the sensitive issue of paid parental leave.“I want larger families with more children. Australia’s children are the greatest vote of confidence we can make in our future. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me and I stress there will be further policy announcements on this between now and the election.”

On indigenous affairs, Mr Abbott referred to the differences between him and his predecessor and wanted practical action to back up the apology to Aboriginal people. He also paid tribute to the work of missionaries among Aboriginal people ...."many left their bones in those communities.”

Here is an edited sample of questions and answers:

On refugees:

Abbott: “There are no easy answers or simple solutions. We have an obligation to genuine refugees but appropriate sanctuary and residency in our country are not the same thing”. He also promised the reintroduction of temporary protection visas, abolished by the labour government.
 
Rudd: “It’s hard to keep the balance between protecting those in genuine fear and keeping an orderly migration system. We have been both hard headed and warm hearted.The country is wise enough to know where the balance lies.”

On school chaplains:

Abbott: promised continuance of funding to the end of the program.

Rudd:  promised continuance of funding to the end of the program. Would he expand it? “My experience is that as I visit schools, the principals invariably tell me what a good job the chaplains are doing. In terms of the future of their programme and its dimensions, we have a very open mind. But we’d like to get the data in to make sure that what we’re hearing anecdotally stacks up across the board.

On marriage being between a man and a woman and blocking attempts to have gay civil ceremonies which mimic marriage:

Abbott: “The short answer is yes. I am not against some kind of recognition for other relationships, but the marriage relationship is special.”

Rudd: “We’ve been pretty clear about the point that marriage is between a man and a woman. We’ve also said equally people in same sex relationships should not be discriminated against. But on the question the government has been quite clear that marriage is between a man and a woman.”

On the sexualisation of children and further action on a senate inquiry report on the matter:

Rudd:  Didn’t have detail of the report so “I’ll take that on notice. As a father of three I get concerned about this”. He said one part went to advertising standards, and the other part was social attitudes. “Every Australian child is deserving of a childhood like a childhood. Through the Australian Christian Lobby we’ll try and get a defined response.”

Abbott: "in the media there is...... a race to the bottom. I don’t like it but I’m conscious of the tradition of freedom in this area. Our current classification system is broken...it doesn’t seem to apply community standards. We need a further review to come up with a way that community standards are applied to all media including new (electronic/internet) media. I don’t believe lassez faire is the way to go in this area.”
Source: Compiled by APN from information supplied by Anglican Media