Catholic Social Services Australia CEO Jerry Nockles has met with Ben Rimmer, Director-General of the Housing Group in the federal Department of Treasury, to advance critical discussions on addressing Australia’s housing and homelessness crisis.
A statement from CSSA said Mr Rimmer’s appointment to the role in September signalled the Government’s serious commitment to the portfolio.
His transition from Deputy Secretary with the Department of Education coupled with prior roles in the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, brings extensive experience and genuine commitment to this critical challenge, it said.
Dr Nockles presented the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2025–26 Social Justice Statement, Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving those living in homelessness and with mental ill-health to Mr Rimmer.
“I am genuinely excited and ambitious about future opportunities to support Ben and the Treasury team,” Dr Nockles said.
“This meeting represents a real opportunity to advance meaningful change on one of Australia’s most pressing social challenges.
“We share a common understanding that housing and homelessness is a crisis that demands urgent action.
“There is genuine alignment between CSSA and Treasury on the scale and urgency of Australia’s housing and homelessness challenge. Ben and his team recognise that current approaches must be strengthened and that collaborative solutions are essential. That shared understanding is what gives me confidence we can drive meaningful progress together.”
CSSA brings a network of 41 member agencies delivering 68 different housing and homelessness services across the country, supporting people experiencing family and domestic violence, young people leaving care, people exiting correctional institutions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and older Australians facing housing insecurity.
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CSSA Welcomes Productive Dialogue with Treasury on Tackling Housing and Homelessness (CSSA)
