Secularism in Australia
This report examines the evolution of secularism in Australia, analysing the tension between a constitutionally secular state and a pluralistic society. Australia is constitutionally secular since 1901, preventing the Commonwealth from establishing a state religion or prohibiting free exercise of religion. It highlights that while Section 116 prevents the establishment of state religion, religious freedom protections are fragmented, lacking a comprehensive federal charter, and often rely on common law. It also addresses the challenges of religious freedom in Australia today and provides a perspective on secularism and its role in protecting religious freedom of religion. Legal frameworks have adapted to a society that is becoming less religious but highly diverse. It further analyses the involvement of state and federal Governments in providing funding to religious schools, and its effect on secularism within the Government and in society.