School chaplains program made 'permanent'

The national schools chaplaincy program has had its funding renewed on a "permanent basis".

The national schools chaplaincy program has had its funding renewed on a "permanent basis". (AAP)

The federal budget includes nearly $250 million over four years to cement the at-times controversial pastoral care program in Australian schools.

"We are extending the national schools chaplaincy program on a permanent basis with a special new anti-bullying focus", the 2018/19 budget papers state.

Many coalition MPs and others opposed the secular "safe schools" anti-bullying program because they thought it went too far in terms of discussing gender and sexuality issues.