Greens call for Hatz to stand up to Hillsong & suspend Shine

Commenting on a call by the NSW Parents and Citizens Federation for the Iemma government to regulate programs in public education delivered by external organisations,  Dr Kaye said: "Shine has been criticised for damaging the self-image of girls and for pushing religion.
 
"John Hatzistergos must immediately suspend the program and instigate an investigation into the allegations.
 
"He needs to resolve the suggestions that Shine is pushing the Assemblies of God religion, that it undermines teachers in the school and that it could be damaging the self-image and mental health of girls in the program.
 
"The Iemma government has responsibilities under the NSW Education Act to protect the secular nature of public schools. It also has an obligation to parents and children to ensure that students are cared for appropriately.
 
"Shine is delivered by facilitators without university-level counselling or teaching qualifications.
 
"There are real concerns that Shine is a Trojan horse for sneaking religious indoctrination into public schools, hidden under the disguise of life skills development.
 
"The program's focus on physical appearance has been severely criticised by child development experts.
 
"At a time when concerns are being raised about the impacts of self-image on the mental well-being of young girls, it is worrying that Shine places such emphasis on the importance of presentation.
 
"Many young girls will be disempowered by the focus on the focus on makeup, hairspray and nail care.
 
"Suspension and an investigation of Shine is urgently needed," Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455