A LABOR Senator has expressed concern about the controversial school chaplaincy program, saying the idea of a chaplain sharing conservative views with a child struggling with their sexuality ''scares'' him.

Senate education committee chairman Gavin Marshall told an estimates hearing yesterday that chaplain service provider Scripture Union held a ''fairly harsh view'' on homosexuality, which was '' 'homosexuals will burn in hell' ''.

A Chaplain at Glenroy Primary School.

Asked if such a view was acceptable, Education Department secretary Lisa Paul said if a chaplain behaved in a ''homophobic'' manner they would breach guidelines.

Senator Marshall queried why the organisation was allowed to participate in the program if it held such views. Ms Paul said what was important was not a chaplain's beliefs, but what views they expressed in the course of their work.