Peter Dutton Pledges $8.5 Million for Australia’s First Hindu School

The federal Opposition, led by Peter Dutton, has pledged $8.5 million to establish Australia’s first Hindu school if the Coalition wins the next election. Announced at the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, the proposal aims to integrate Hindu values, culture, and language with Australia’s curriculum. The Hindu community, now 684,000 strong, has welcomed the initiative as a milestone in cultural preservation and education. The plan includes $850,000 for a feasibility study and $7.65 million for construction, fostering inclusivity and multiculturalism.

In a significant step towards promoting faith-based education and celebrating cultural diversity, the federal Opposition has promised up to $8.5 million to establish Australia’s first Hindu school if the Coalition wins the upcoming federal election.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton made this announcement during his visit to the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct. The timing of the visit coincided with the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, adding a sense of occasion to the announcement.

The initiative has been warmly received by the Hindu Education and Cultural Group, who have previously engaged in discussions with Shadow Ministers Michaelia Cash, Sarah Henderson, and Jason Wood. These ministers have formally endorsed the proposal.

“This announcement reaffirms the Coalition’s support for faith-based education and community-led initiatives,” Mr. Dutton stated.

He further acknowledged the contributions of Australia’s Hindu population, saying, “The 684,000-strong Hindu community in Australia makes an enormous contribution to our multicultural character. Supporting the establishment of a Hindu school is a long-overdue recognition of the community’s vision.”

A spokesperson for the Hindu Council of Australia called the announcement “a moment of pride and progress for the Hindu community.” They added, “A Hindu school will not only preserve our rich cultural and spiritual heritage but also provide our children with the tools to thrive in modern Australia.”

The proposed school will integrate Hindu values, language, and cultural teachings with the Australian curriculum, following a model similar to other independent faith-based institutions. It aims to deliver a holistic education that respects both academic excellence and cultural identity.

“We are not just building a school; we are building a future where Australian values and Hindu philosophy can coexist in harmony, inspiring generations to come,” the spokesperson said.

Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson described this commitment as a response to the Hindu community’s long-standing aspirations. “It is only fair that Hindu children have access to the same faith-based educational opportunities as other religious groups. This school will foster academic growth while nurturing cultural heritage,” she emphasized.

Echoing this sentiment, Shadow Multicultural Affairs Minister Jason Wood noted, “Hinduism is one of the fastest-growing religions in Australia. The community support for a Hindu school has become increasingly clear.”

The Hindu Council of Australia, which has advocated for this project for over a decade, welcomed the announcement. According to the plan, $850,000 will be allocated initially for a business case to assess the school’s feasibility, costs, and ideal location. An additional $7.65 million will be earmarked for capital expenditure once the feasibility study is successfully completed.

A spokesperson for the Hindu Council remarked, “We welcome the support of Mr. Peter Dutton and his colleagues. This announcement sends a strong message: that multicultural Australia includes and empowers the Hindu voice.”

The Council also expressed its readiness to collaborate with education authorities and community stakeholders to ensure the school meets the highest standards while remaining rooted in Hindu values.

With the Hindu community in Australia now exceeding 684,000 people, the establishment of a dedicated faith-based school is seen as both timely and essential. “This school will give Hindu children a sense of identity and belonging while fostering respect for all cultures and communities in Australia,” the spokesperson concluded.

Former Multicultural Affairs Minister Alex Hawke also voiced his support: “For years, successive governments have supported Christian, Islamic, and Jewish schools – and rightly so. But it’s about time we extended that same recognition and respect to the Hindu community, which is now the third-largest religion in Australia.”

He added, “Supporting a Hindu faith-based school is not just about education, it’s about preserving religion, culture, and identity. We will proudly stand with the Hindu community and support initiatives like these through temples and schools that foster cultural pride and belonging.”

The proposed school is expected to offer a wide array of programs, including Hindu philosophy, languages such as Sanskrit and Hindi, traditional arts, and yoga, all while maintaining the academic rigor of the Australian curriculum.

In a joint statement, the Hindu Education and Cultural Group celebrated this pledge as “a historic moment for our community” and expressed gratitude to the Coalition for its commitment to cultural and educational equity.

The Dutton-led Coalition has expressed eagerness to work with the Hindu Council of Australia to make this vision a reality. By supporting freedom of choice in education, this initiative also seeks to strengthen Australia’s multicultural future.