John Aquilina AM to chair Inter Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools

Mr John Aquilina has been elected unanimously to the role of Chairperson for the Inter Church Commission of Religious Education in Schools (ICCOREIS).

The members of the Commission make up a diverse range of Christian denominations, representing around 80% of Special Religious Education (SRE) providers in New South Wales.

Mr Aquilina comes to the role with almost 30 years of experience as a member of the NSW Parliament. He was a Minister for eleven and a half years, including six years and seven months as Minister for Education and Training.

Mr Aquilina was appointed Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in 2003, and in 2007 was made Leader of the House.

Mr Aquilina is a committed Christian with a passion for quality Public Education. He taught History and English in New South Wales public Secondary Schools for ten and a half years prior to his entering Parliament.

In taking on the role of Chairperson of ICCOREIS, Mr Aquilina aims to ensure “that the contribution made by Christian Churches to the Department of Education and Communities (DEC), through the provision of Special Religious Education in NSW is appropriately recognised and celebrated as a strength of Public Education”.

Mr Jude Hennessy, Board Member of ICCOREIS described the nomination and election of the former Education Minister, Teacher and Member of the Teachers Federation, as “a most significant event in the 40-year history of ICCOREIS. Mr Aquilina will combine a sound knowledge of Public Education with a passion for ensuring families have access to choices which will enable formation in the faith of their family via Special Religious Education (SRE) in Schools.”