Chaplain plan draws support

Mr Betts said the college has had a chaplain during all of its 10-year history, jointly funded by the school and the Scripture Union.

"The chaplaincy is much, much more than just spiritual support for our Christian group," he said.

"It's part of our total support package.

"He (Ben Mathewson) is a listener, supporter and another adult in the college community whom students can use to gain all manner of advice.

"It provides another option for students."

Other Northern public and private schools also provide chaplains.

The Australian Council of State School Organisations has given guarded support to the scheme, but said it must remain up to schools to decide whether to participate.

The group's executive officer and former Tasmanian State Government Minister and Labor Senator, Terry Aulich, warned that the Government's power to veto a school's choice of chaplain could divide school communities.

He called for greater detail to be released concerning the programme, particularly on how to select chaplains the Government viewed as suitable.

Mr Betts said the school would apply for funding and he supported the programme.

"Any money that is used to support student wellbeing is money well spent," he said.

Education Minister David Bartlett has cautiously supported the programme, saying he would have preferred more guidance officers and counsellors.

The Federal Government said the programme was voluntary and not designed to favour a particular religion.

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