The union representing teachers and support staff in Northern Territory non-government schools says the reinstatement of religious discrimination exemptions is unnecessary, divisive and harmful.
Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Branch Secretary Terry Burke said faith-based schools were more than capable of functioning in the absence of these exemptions.
"Indeed, they have done so quite adequately under the legislation which has been in place for the last three years," Mr Burke said.
"Reinstatement of religious discrimination exemptions in the NT does not reflect modern community values and expectations, especially given many faith-based organisations receive public funds.
"Employers still have the opportunity at the point of engagement to determine if an employee is suitable for the position advertised - that has always been the case.
"The NT government should be looking to build a better and fairer future for Territorians, not take them backwards," Mr Burke said.
