Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is advancing its commitment to social justice with the further development of the ‘Common Good Accord,’ a platform dedicated to integrating the principle of the common good into policy design, reflecting the core tenets of Catholic Social Teaching (CST).
CSSA Executive Director Dr. Jerry Nockles recently engaged in productive discussions with former Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull in Sydney. These meetings focused on the ‘Common Good Accord,’ which aims to foster collaboration among government, civil society, and business sectors to promote policies that serve the collective well-being.
Dr Nockles remarked, “It was heartening to engage with both Mr Abbott and Mr Turnbull on this crucial issue. Their support for the concept of the common good and their willingness to collaborate with CSSA is a testament to their genuine commitment to fostering a just society.”
This initiative aligns with the overarching principles of CST, which emphasise the dignity of the human person as the cornerstone of societal wellbeing. It recognises that the common good is best served when all members of the community are valued and can actively participate in shaping our shared future.
“We need to elevate the common good above sectional interests. By fostering a society where every individual’s inherent worth is respected, we create a foundation for social cohesion and shared prosperity that benefits all Australians, regardless of their circumstances,” Dr Nockles said.
The timing of these initiatives aligns with CSSA’s upcoming National Conference, ‘Hope in Action,’ scheduled for March 19-20. Drawing inspiration from the Jubilee 2025 theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ the conference will explore pathways to peace, respect for human dignity, and support for marginalised communities.
Pope Francis has emphasised the importance of addressing economic disparities and promoting social justice. In his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, he states, “The dignity of each human person and the pursuit of the common good are concerns which ought to shape all economic policies.” This perspective reinforces CSSA’s commitment to advocating for policies that uphold human dignity and promote the common good.
Dr. Nockles added, “Our National Conference will provide an excellent opportunity to build on these discussions and engage with a broader audience on the critical importance of the common good in shaping our society. We invite all interested in creating a more just and compassionate Australia to join us in this vital conversation.”
CSSA remains committed to advocating for policies that reflect Catholic social teaching and promote the well-being of all Australians, particularly the most vulnerable members of our society.
For more information about CSSA’s initiatives or the upcoming National Conference, please see: https://bit.ly/4h4CzQQ
Additional notes:
Venue: 11 Harbour Street, Sydney (CommBank Head Office, Darling Harbour precinct)
When: 19 – 20 March 2025
Time: 9AM – 5PM
McCosker Oration: 19 March, 6:30 PM by Mr Chris Uhlmann (booking essential)
Pre-Conference media: 18 March 2025
The ‘Common Good Accord’ concept has been developed by CSSA to enhance policy design through a focus on the common good and alignment with Catholic Social Teaching principles.