End official discrimination against Christian faith based Ice treatment

Independent Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement
of a $300m strategy to tackle ice addiction, but has challenged him to invest the public funds in
those community organizations with proven track records, which are often Christian faith based –
and are suffering from official discrimination.

“It has disturbed me to hear that groups like Teen Challenge – one of Australia’s most successful organizations
delivering Ice rehab treatment, with a success rate of over 80%, present in 100 countries and with 1200 centers world
wide – feel as though they are being denied government support and funding because they base their rehab program
on the Christian faith.” said Senator Lambie.

“Yesterday I received a briefing from Malcolm Smith, the founder and Executive director of Teen Challenge where I
was informed that bureaucrats and politicians had indicated that Teen Challenge would qualify for more public
funding if less emphasis was placed on its Christian values – and Christian symbols like the sign of the cross were
removed or hidden. If this is the case, then it is political correctness gone mad.” said Senator Lambie.

Senator Lambie made the comments as she toured Teen Challenge’s Grace Academy in Western Australia – a
residential rehabilitation center that offers men and women aged 16 and over, freedom from drug and alcohol
dependence – and which has achieved considerable success based on Christian principles. Senator Lambie’s tours
purpose, is to build support and understanding to help the establishment of a similar rehab center in Tasmania.
“ At Grace Academy I saw and spoke with young Australians being cured of their drug and alcohol addictions in a
program that offers academic, vocational and spiritual training. My message to the Prime Minister when it comes to
treatment for Ice addiction is: we don’t have to waste money by reinventing the wheel.

There are already many people and groups in the drug rehab sector doing brilliant faith based work. Please don’t let
government bureaucrats or politicians who seem ashamed or scared of Australia’s Christian heritage, stuff up this
opportunity to equip our young people with the skills they need to return to society as responsible citizens.” said
Senator Lambie.

“I’m probably the least qualified person to speak about the Christian faith, (I’m a sinner trying to get to heaven)
however in the race to embrace and celebrate Multiculturalism in Australia – it become obvious that some in
government have lost their way and are ashamed of our faith based heritage.

There have been many terrible crimes and mistakes made by people using the name of Christianity, however in the
current climate where a war is being waged on our Christian and democratic culture – I believe that Christmas isn’t the
only time when Australians are allowed to celebrate and be proud of the faith that formed our nation, culture and
values.” said Senator Lambie.
Rob Messenger for Senator Jacqui Lambie Senator for Tasmania