12 March 2002

Politically Correct Government Priorties All Wrong On Chaplaincy Services

United Future leader, Hon Peter Dunne, says the debacle over the future public funding of hospital chaplaincy services shows how warped the government has become on matters of political correctness.

“While chaplains may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is no doubt they fulfil a valuable role and are widely respected by many people for the service they provide.”

“Claims by the Health Ministry that chaplaincy services are not a priority show how out of touch they have become with many people’s reality.”

“While debunking the worth of chaplains and a spiritual dimension this same politically correct government is quite happy to dedicate huge resources and emphasis, in the health system in particular, to so-called cultural safety programmes.”

“It seems to be saying that it is appropriate to recognise that people have different cultural backgrounds, but not that they have different spiritual backgrounds.”

“The inconsistency is glaring and shows how intolerant of diversity this government has become,” Mr Dunne says.

Mr Dunne says that the additional investment required to adequately fund chaplaincy services is minimal and is something a tolerant and compassionate government should not baulk at.

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