| From the HSLDA E-lert Service: |
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| Date: From: Subject: | 3/1/2006 1:12:28 PM Home School Legal Defense Association HSLDA--Homeschoolers Making an Impact in Australia |
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====================================================================== From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ====================================================================== March 1, 2006 Homeschoolers Making an Impact in Australia Dear HSLDA members and friends: Thanks to all of you who responded to our recent email requesting help for the homeschoolers in Victoria. They are faced with an education reform bill that will impose greater restrictions and regulations on homeschooling for the next decade. We passed on their request for help to you and you responded in overwhelming numbers. During the first 48 hours, over 2,000 emails were sent to each member of the Victorian Parliament, urging them to remove the sections of the bill that would restrict homeschooling. There is no doubt they received the message! One member of Parliament opposed to the restrictions wrote, "It is essential that you place every pressure on the members of the Labor party to get them to answer your questions and take up your case. The bill has been introduced by Labor and is solely their agenda." Other homeschoolers received positive comments from members of Parliament regarding homeschooling and concern regarding the legislation. As is the case with any e-lert, whether here in the United States or elsewhere, some lawmakers who received our emails were irritated. One homeschool leader in Victoria shared this: "The irritability of those MPs is a sign that they are under pressure and that they are facing the scrutiny of the international area. Nothing hurts them more than the embarrassment of being called 'undemocratic' in their duties by international scrutiny--especially during the Olympic Games. All MPs should be reminded that the eye of international opinion is upon them now, more so than ever with the Games at hand, and that being so out of step, this does make them look ridiculous." There is a steering committee with homeschool representatives from many of the geographical areas, which is working to meet with the Members of Parliament and the Minister of Education. The latest word from Australia is that the minister of Education, who previously has avoided meeting with the homeschoolers, has indicated she will meet with them. Furthermore, many of the Members of Parliament who were "brushing the homeschool issue under the rug," are now taking notice of the homeschoolers' concerns with the Education Reform Bill. Members of Parliament also understand the international scrutiny that is upon them and are being careful not to just push this bill through without considering the concerns of homeschoolers. We have talked to a number of homeschoolers in Victoria who are excited about the possibility of what might take place to amend the Reform Bill to protect homeschoolers. Only time will tell the full effect of the international homeschooling community's pressure on the Victorian Parliament. At this time there is no need for further emails because our point has been made. Now we just ask that you pray for God's will to be done in Victoria, and that the homeschool freedoms can be protected. We will send out another update as soon as we know the outcome. Thanks again for your willingness to sacrifice your time to help Australian homeschoolers! Sincerely, Chris Klicka HSLDA Senior Counsel ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -> How many news articles did you read this morning over your oatmeal? We live in a world where concise information presented at the right time can make a big difference in the outcome of important legislative efforts. Yet it's tough to keep up with all the issues that affect you. HSLDA does this for you in the areas that affect your homeschool. Our emails and website enable you to take quick, decisive action. Please consider becoming a part of this team. More reasons to join HSLDA... http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1923 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ====================================================================== The HSLDA E-lert Service is a service of: Home School Legal Defense Association P.O. 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If this is an invalid email address or you have other problems, please reply to webmaster@hslda.org. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: This is considered a private and confidential message from HSLDA to its bonafide HSLDA E-lert Service subscribers. HSLDA cannot attest to the authenticity of copies posted, forwarded, or sent by any party other than HSLDA. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: Please do not reply or otherwise use this email address; hslda@hslda.org is for broadcast purposes only and is not intended to receive incoming messages. We cannot reply to any email sent to this address. If you have comments or questions, please send email to info@hslda.org or call HSLDA at 540-338-5600. HSLDA members can also email staff directly through the Members website at http://members.hslda.org/contact.asp. Thank you for your cooperation. ====================================================================== | |
