Push for digital duty of care to protect children from online abuse
A coalition of child safety advocates is urging the Opposition and Crossbench to support legislation that would impose a digital duty of care on tech companies to prevent online child sexual abuse.
The call follows the government’s commitment to implement such a policy in response to the Online Safety Act review, led by Delia Rickard PSM. The review recommends that service providers be legally required to prevent foreseeable online harms, shifting responsibility from users to platforms.
A March YouGov poll found most voters support legislating a duty of care to compel tech companies to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material. The urgency is underscored by alarming data: in 2023, 58,503 reports of online child abuse were made in Australia – an increase of nearly half from the previous year.
Catholic education welcomes continued government support
National Catholic Education Commission executive director Jacinta Collins has welcomed the Albanese government’s re-election and its continued support for Catholic schools.
She acknowledged the government’s commitment to maintain funding arrangements, including $10.4 billion in recurrent funding for 2025, and additional support through capital grants and the Choice and Affordability Fund.
Ms Collins also welcomed the sector-neutral approach to education policy and the inclusion of Catholic schools in future Commonwealth programs.
‘We thank the Albanese government for its ongoing partnership and commitment to ensuring Catholic education remains accessible and sustainable,’ she said.
Bishops appointed to key national roles at Plenary
Australia’s Catholic bishops have been elected to national leadership roles across key areas including education, safeguarding, family life, social justice, and interfaith relations following a plenary meeting in North Sydney,
The Permanent Committee, which oversees the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference between meetings, includes Archbishop Timothy Costelloe (president), Bishop Greg Bennet (vice president), and six other bishops.
Among newly appointed chairs: Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP will lead the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli will head the Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement, and Bishop Greg Bennet will chair the Commission for Professional Standards and Safeguarding.
Lay leadership in Catholic ministries on the rise
An international research project led by Australian Catholic University and Durham University has found that more than 100 religious institutes globally have transferred their ministries to lay-led canonical bodies.
The study, presented at a symposium in Rome, identified 58 such entities – including Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (PJPs) and Associations of Christ’s Faithful – across eight English-speaking countries. In Australia, 14 PJPs now oversee ministries once managed by religious institutes, particularly in education, health and social services.
Researchers described the model as a living example of synodality, with over half of the 478 identified trustees being lay women. The project, Inclusive Governance in a Synodal Church, continues through 2026.
A festival of faith and belonging
The 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is set to take place from 30 November to 2 December at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and registrations are now open.
Festival director Teresa Rhynehart is encouraging parishes, families, clergy and communities to get involved and support the young people attendees (from Year 9 to age 25).
‘This is a space where young people can encounter Jesus – whether for the first time or the fifth,’ she said. ‘It’s also a chance for them to encounter one another and realise they are not alone in their faith.’
Over three days, attendees will experience a rich program of talks, Mass, prayer, live concerts, workshops, forums, games, a justice activity centre, and an interactive expo.
More information is available at acyf.org.au.
Veggie education could be key to healthier kids: Victorian farmer
With most Australian children not eating enough vegetables, a Victorian farmer is leading the charge to turn the trend around through education.
Catherine Velisha, managing director of Velisha Farms in Werribee South, used a Nuffield Scholarship to explore global grower-led education programs that encourage healthier eating habits. Her findings highlight the power of hands-on, curriculum-aligned learning to build young people’s appreciation for vegetables.
‘People know the benefits of vegetables, but that knowledge isn’t translating into daily habits,’ Velisha said. ‘Education is key to changing that.’
Through her initiative VEG Education, Velisha hosts school visits and develops teaching resources to showcase how vegetables are grown, prepared and enjoyed. Her research included visits to programs in the US, UK and Ireland, where she found that farmer-educator partnerships are helping reshape food attitudes from a young age.
What’s on
Closing tomorrow – 2025 Young Voices Awards: Open to secondary and senior primary students, with categories in articles, photography, and digital media. Theme: Voices of hope. Learn more here.
Caption: Archbishop Peter Comensoli and festival director Teresa Rhynehart presented plans for the 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival to the bishops. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, joined them during the session.