The AEU has described as misguided and wrong the decision by Labor to extend the school chaplaincy program.

AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos said the program did not address the real needs of students.

“Apart from undermining the secular traditions of public schools, this announcement fails to acknowledge what our students really need - qualified school counsellors, psychologists and welfare workers who can meet their complex needs,” he said.

“The Labor party extended this misguided policy without even waiting for the outcome of a review of the chaplaincy program that it established.

 “Once again the Labor Party has followed the Coalition in education rather than addressing the real needs of students.

“Urgent resources are needed to achieve more manageable caseloads for staff in schools dealing with welfare issues.