Australia’s First Hindu School Gets Federal Backing Before Election

The Hindu Council’s school will merge modern education with Hindu teachings, creating a holistic and nurturing learning environment.

A man holds his young son on his shoulders during Diwali celebrations at a street festival in the suburb of Wentworthville in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 29, 2022. Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Ahead of the federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced his support for establishing the first Hindu school in Western Sydney. With over 684,000 Hindus in Australia, Albanese said it was time their vision for a dedicated school became a reality.

Education Minister Jason Clare took to social media to confirm the announcement, following a weekend celebration of Holi with the Hindu community.

“Great to celebrate Fuldol and Holi at Kemps Creek, the site of a new Hindu temple, with BAPS Australia and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj,” Clare wrote.

The Hindu Council of Australia expressed gratitude for the government’s backing.

“The prime minister made the announcement during Holi Phuldol celebrations at BAPS Swami Narayan Mandir and cultural centre in Kemps Creek, NSW,” said Surinder Jain, national vice president of the Hindu Council of Australia.

Federal Backing and Community Support

During the celebrations, Albanese reaffirmed his commitment to the project.

“It is important that Hindus have a school where your children can be guided by Hindu culture. My government will support the first Hindu school. The Hindu community is an integral part of this country,” he stated.

Parramatta MP Andrew Charlton echoed this sentiment.

“The Indian diaspora is the most employed and the most educated diaspora in Australia. It’s about time they have a school of their own,” he said.

The school, to be run by the Hindu Council, has secured land in Sydney’s northwest. The institution aims to blend modern educational methods with Hindu teachings, fostering a holistic learning environment for children.

Push for Funding and Broader Australia-India Relations

The Hindu Council has requested $8.5 million (US$5.4 million) in federal seed funding to establish an independent primary school by 2026, supplementing the $5 million already raised by the community.

Education Minister Clare showed strong support, describing the project as “a fantastic initiative.”

Speaking at a Hindu Council event in October, Clare confirmed he was working through the submission with Albanese and was “so keen to work with [the Hindu community] on seeing this come to life.”

The announcement follows the Labor government’s new roadmap to strengthen economic ties with India.

Unveiled on Feb. 26 at Deakin University, the Roadmap for Australia’s Economic Engagement with India prioritises clean energy, education, agribusiness, and tourism.

A $4 million Maitri Grants program aims to foster people-to-people ties, while a $16 million Australia-India Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund will support Australian businesses expanding into the Indian market.

“What we are able to build on is the strong relationship our two nations already enjoy—economically, culturally, and through the ties of education and sport,” Albanese said.

The roadmap, developed after extensive consultations, lays out a long-term vision for deepening bilateral relations.