Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) congratulated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party (ALP) on their federal election victory.
CSSA executive director Dr Jerry Nockles expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration with the government.
‘This historic victory provides an incredible opportunity to promote a more just, compassionate and inclusive Australia in service of the common good. We look forward to working constructively with the government to advance policies that uplift the most vulnerable in our society.’
Dr Nockles said, ‘Catholic social teaching reminds us that authentic development must be inclusive and benefit all members of society, particularly those experiencing marginalisation.
‘The measure of good governance is how it serves those most in need. We are encouraged by the government’s commitment to addressing inequality and building social cohesion, and we are ready to contribute our expertise and experience to these vital national conversations.’
St Vincent de Paul Society Australia also congratulated the ALP on its federal election success, saying it looked forward to working with the new government in providing greater support for the many struggling Australians, particularly those 1.3 million people living under the poverty line.
‘We acknowledge that over the past three years the Albanese Labor government has implemented significant reforms aimed at improving people’s lives, especially those doing it tough, but more needs to be done,’ the society’s national president Mark Gaetani said.
‘The positive reforms include a commitment to build more social and affordable housing, increasing the JobSeeker payment by $40 per fortnight, upping Commonwealth Rent Assistance, an expanded eligibility for Parenting Payment Single until a youngest child turns 14, up from 8 years, major boosts to the Urgent Care Clinics program and a proposed cap on the cost of PBS medicines.’
Before the election, Australia’s Catholic bishops said in a statement the vote was an opportunity to bring hope where hope has been lost, especially for the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
The statement set out broad issues to reflect on before voting.
‘In determining our electoral choices, Australian Catholics search always to uphold the sanctity of life, protect the vulnerable, support and strengthen families, promote the common good, and foster a just society where all Australians can thrive.’
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, commended the statement to all people of good will.
‘As political discourse becomes increasingly polarised, we must commit ourselves to conscientious voting, carefully considering the facts and supporting policies that improve the lives of all, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged,’” Archbishop Costelloe said.
In its federal election guide, Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) said it was important ‘to act, and vote, to support our Australian society, especially those who are being “left behind”, and encourage our politicians to better recognise the dignity of person and planet, and to facilitate a fuller participation by all’.
The four areas that most concerned CRA were Climate change and biodiversity loss, the disadvantage faced by Australia’s First Nations peoples, the cost-of-living crisis and the harsh policies affecting asylum seekers and refugees.