People reading this should probably be aware that though Australia has a provision in its Constitution concerning religion that is very similar to the provisions in the US First Amendment (mainly because those who wrote the Australian Constitution copied it), it's been interpreted quite differently by our courts, here, and as a result provided it is voluntary, and provided no public money is provided to pay for it, religious instruction is permitted in Australian state schools. Dr Nelson's comments should be viewed in light of that fact.
"..Australia has a provision in its Constitution concerning religion that is very similar to the provisions in the US .."
Interesting, here is the specific section. Note, I'm not at all familiar with the Australian constitution so there may be other sections relating to this or amendments that override it, I have no idea.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA CONSTITUTION ACT
- SECT 116
Commonwealth not to legislate in respect of religion
The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth.