Funding shortfalls, unprecedented community need and the importance of prioritising an end to child poverty were among the topics raised by Catholic Social Services Australia agency heads at a two-day advocacy event at Parliament House last week.
The CSSA agency heads discussed the growing challenges for social service providers with federal ministers, shadow ministers and members of Parliament on October 9 and 10.
CSSA acting executive director Ron Johnson spoke to the pressing concerns raised during the summit: “The unaffordability of residential land and housing are key factors in the declining standard of living for most Australians.
“Tragically, more families and children are being forced into poverty and extreme hardship. CSSA discussions have centred on both immediate aid measures and longer-term structural solutions,” Mr Johnson said.
“This is not just a job for our politicians – the whole Australian community can help to make better policy. We owe it to our children to put their needs first and to listen to their voices in this enormous battle against poverty.”
Labor MP for Canberra Alicia Payne was the keynote speaker at a dinner hosted by CSSA last week. A longstanding advocate for ending poverty, Ms Payne said the effects of “growing up in poverty are deep and extend throughout life”
“For government to address child poverty is to create a better future for those children and is an investment in our nation as a whole,” Ms Payne said.
CSSA chair and Marist180 chief executive Peter Monaghan said the advocacy meetings allow Catholic agencies to “bring attention to the most vulnerable in our communities”.
“These discussions with government officials allow us to drive meaningful change on issues like poverty, youth justice and homelessness that have a profound impact on Australian families,” Mr Monaghan said.
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