Catholic Social Services Australia responded with guarded optimism to Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s address to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia yesterday, which it said outlined a “principled approach” to fiscal management while maintaining support for vulnerable Australians.
CSSA chief executive Jerry Nockles said Ms Ley’s commitment to ensuring the safety net remains strong and focused on genuine need.
“We welcome the Opposition Leader’s clear articulation that Australia will always support those who fall on hard times, those who are vulnerable, and those who cannot support themselves,” Dr Nockles said.
“Ms Ley’s emphasis on targeting assistance to the vulnerable while ensuring fiscal sustainability reflects an important balance that aligns with our mission to uphold human dignity while securing long-term support for those most in need.”
Dr Nockles noted the Opposition Leader’s recognition that responsible budget management is not an end in itself, but a means to strengthen the economy and preserve capacity to help those truly in need.
“While we appreciate Ms Ley’s distinction between a safety net and a hammock, we view this framework through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching’s preferential option for the poor.
“This principle guides us to ensure the safety net is strong enough to provide genuine support while also creating pathways to independence and participation.
“We look forward to working with Ms Ley to ensure this balance always prioritises the dignity and needs of our most vulnerable community members.” Dr Nockles said.
CSSA emphasises the importance of collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector in developing reforms that serve the common good.
“We appreciate Ms Ley’s commitment to proper consultation on reforms and her recognition that the measure of good policy is how it affects the most vulnerable in our society,” Dr Nockles said.
He invited Ms Ley to “engage directly with our network regarding social services policy and support a sustainable, life-giving community sector”.
“As we continue national conversations about fiscal sustainability, we look forward to working constructively with all sides of politics to ensure that vulnerable Australians can access the services they need to overcome barriers and pursue fulfilling lives.”
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Fiscal reform must prioritise society’s most vulnerable (CSSA)
