Catholic Social Services Australia will convene its 2025 Parliamentary Advocacy Summit on “Advancing the Common Good” next week at Parliament House in Canberra.
The October 28-29 event will bring together parliamentarians, member agencies, and community leaders to spotlight vital work including addressing homelessness and mental ill-health – two of the most urgent challenges facing vulnerable Australians today.
“The summit is a crucial moment to bring together voices from across the community and government to forge real solutions,” CSSA chief executive Jerry Nockles said.
“Our members are on the frontlines, delivering hope and support to those who need it most. We must act decisively to ensure no one is left behind in the face of homelessness and mental ill-health.”
The landmark event offers a timely platform to amplify the key messages of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s 2025-2026 Social Justice Statement, Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving People Living in Homelessness and Mental Ill-Health.
The summit’s focus aligns closely with the statement’s call for urgent action, fostering parliamentary engagement on these critical social issues.
“The statement provides a clear and compassionate roadmap for action,” Dr Nockles said. “Its sensible recommendations not only highlight the urgency of these issues but also offer practical pathways for government and community sectors to work together in advancing the common good.”
In addition, the summit will present detailed findings and discussion from the Real Costs, Real Impacts: A Path to Social Services Sustainability research report, providing parliamentarians with vital insights into the economic realities and challenges faced by social service providers across Australia.
“This research shines a light on the real economic pressures faced by social service providers, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable funding models,” Dr Nockles said.
“It equips policymakers with the evidence necessary to make informed decisions that will strengthen the sector and ensure vital services reach those who need them most.”
Townsville Bishop Tim Harris, chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, will open the summit. He will also present the Social Justice Statement to the Parliament through the House of Representatives Speaker, Milton Dick.
Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, will deliver the formal opening address.
Registrations are open at: CSSA’s 2025 Parliamentary Advocacy Summit
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CSSA to host 2025 Parliamentary Advocacy Summit Advancing the Common Good (CSSA)
