Australia is diverse. And that matters.
Australians hold a wide range of worldviews—religious and non-religious—and this diversity often surprises people.
According to the 2021 Census, 53.8% of Australians identified with a religion, while 38.9% selected ‘no religion’ or another spiritual or secular belief. Among those who identified with a religion, more than 150 distinct faith groups were recorded, highlighting the breadth and complexity of Australia’s religious landscape.
This reality matters because many people assume Australia is mostly non-religious. In fact, the majority of Australians identify with a religion—making it essential that schools provide space for students to learn about religion alongside other worldviews.
As one of the most culturally and religiously diverse nations in the world, both religious and non-religious perspectives continue to shape how Australians live, relate and participate in society.
From Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and First Nations Spirituality, to Humanism and other secular perspectives, worldviews guide our beliefs, values and traditions—influencing how we understand the world and each other.
Sometimes, we don't get each other
Australia’s multicultural society is something many of us are proud of. But for some people, differences still lead to exclusion, disrespect or judgment—whether due to misunderstanding, ignorance or hostility.
In an age of global conflict, rising polarisation and digital echo chambers, Australians need space to talk about our differences—openly, honestly and with respect.
Learning to live well with difference
Whether religious or not, we all have a worldview.
Learning how to recognise and engage with different worldviews isn’t just a nice idea, it’s essential to social cohesion: the trust and connection that help communities feel safe, respected and included.
This video Nobody Stands Nowhere illustrates the concept of a worldview.
A shared effort for a shared future
That’s why Victorian faith leaders and Australia’s peak multifaith bodies have come together with educators, cultural groups and community leaders to create Religions and Worldviews.
Religions and Worldviews
Religions and Worldviews is an inclusive, curriculum-aligned framework that equips teachers to guide students in a respectful exploration of the diverse beliefs, traditions and values—religious and non-religious—that shape life in contemporary Australia and our interconnected world.
The Pilot Program
- To produce religious education lesson plans for Years 7 & 8 students under ‘Civics and Citizenship’ in the Victorian Curriculum
- To produce training modules for teachers in Victorian schools.
- To run a Pilot Program in 15 Victorian schools to deliver and evaluate the lesson plans and teacher training modules.
- Curriculum alignment
- Lesson plans
- Teacher training
- Pilot evaluation
Royal Commission into Antisemitism & Social Cohesion
In August 2026, Project Manager of Religions and Worldviews, Herbert Um, gave evidence at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Herbert appeared during the Commission’s final hearing block on strengthening social cohesion and shared the key learnings of the Religions and Worldviews Pilot Program, in particular how schools can help students engage with Australia’s religions, beliefs and worldviews with understanding and respect.
In July 2026, the Faith Communities Council of Victoria provided a submission to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, bringing a multi-faith voice to the Commission’s work.
The submission highlighted the important role that education can play in fostering understanding, reducing prejudice and strengthening social cohesion.
News & Articles
How do we address diverse beliefs in the classroom? (March 30, 2026)
Australia’s increasing religious and cultural diversity presents both an opportunity and a challenge and classrooms are where this reality is most visible — and most urgent. Teachers recognise that religions and worldviews shape the lives of many of their students, yet many feel under-equipped to address these topics with confidence. With increasing curriculum demands, administrative pressures and complex behavioural challenges,
Multicultural Framework Review: Towards Fairness – a multicultural Australia for all (July 25, 2024)
The Multicultural Framework Review is a generational reform agenda requiring a whole-of-government and community approach that will position Australia to realise its full potential as a nation made up of many cultures, faiths and lived experiences. In delivering this report to the Australian Government, the Review was informed by 216 public consultations across Australia. The panel also considered 796 public
Literature review of themes in RWE (July 7, 2024)
The University of Melbourne Faculty of Education has conducted a literature review of themes in Religion and Worldviews education that could inform curriculum development and pedagogy in Victorian schools. Click here to read literature review
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