BIBLE classes should be compulsory so children have a fundamental understanding of Christianity on leaving school, federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says.

"I think everyone should have some familiarity with the great texts that are at the core of our civilisation," Mr Abbott said.



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"That includes, most importantly, the Bible.

"I think it would be impossible to have a good general education without at least some serious familiarity with the Bible and with the teachings of Christianity.

"That doesn't mean that people have to be believers."

But former Howard government Islamic advisor Dr Ameer Ali, said Mr Abbott's remarks were "over the top".

"It's one thing to say every child needs a good knowledge of history and geography or science," Dr Ali said.

"But it is something else to say all children should have a knowledge of the Bible. That might hurt other people who have their own holy scriptures," he said.

And the Australian Education Union's federal president, Angelo Gavrielatos, said that religion was not a priority for schools.

"There is a place for comparative studies of religion in the curriculum, but ultimately we consider it a private matter for parents and their children," he said.

In an interview with the Herald Sun Mr Abbott also said:

YOUNG people should be alerted to the long-term health dangers of binge drinking.

A STRONGER police presence was needed in places where street violence was common.

THERE should be better choices for women considering abortion.

OBESITY should be tackled not through "creating a nanny state" but through education to encourage adults to be more responsible for themselves and their children.

PEOPLE should have more children, and the baby bonus should not be means-tested.



PENALTY rates for employees who work on weekends or public holidays were a matter for workers and employers to agree upon, "subject to a reasonable safety net".

Originally published as 'All kids must read the Bible'