The federal government's school chaplaincy program has turned into a "half billion dollar behemoth", says the man who's challenging it in the High Court for a second time.
Queensland father of six Ron Williams says the Howard government program has got completely out of control.
"I have a strong objection to the federal government funding the chaplaincy program and that's what this case is about," the Toowoomba jazz musician told reporters outside the court on Tuesday.
"There is no place in public schools for any form of missionaries or evangelists or anything that isn't secular."
Former prime minister John Howard launched the controversial program - which aims to provide guidance to students - in the lead up to the 2007 election.
The High Court upheld Mr Williams' legal challenge against the program in a landmark decision in 2012 - but the Labor government quickly passed fresh legislation to keep it going.
"Here we are - it has become a half billion dollar behemoth," Mr Williams said.
Experts believe the new case could have far-reaching effects for the Commonwealth's ability to fund a range of programs.
A defendant in the case is the Scripture Union of Queensland, which receives funding under an agreement with the Commonwealth then distributes it to Queensland schools to employ chaplains.
Union chief executive Peter James said two studies had found that students, teachers and psychologists all valued the program.
He acknowledged that it had been controversial.
"People are divided on it. But I am not sure that people who are opposed to the program necessarily understand what chaplains do in schools. It's not a clerical role, it's not a theological role - it's a caring role."
The case is listed to run for three days.
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