Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) CEO Dr Jerry Nockles, accompanied by CSSA Director of Policy and Advocacy Ms Carmel Sefian, met this week with senior advisers from the Victorian Premier’s Office at Parliament House in Melbourne to discuss critical support for Victoria’s most vulnerable communities amid fiscal pressures facing the state.
Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) Executive Director Josh Lourensz also attended the meeting, which focussed on shared priorities including youth justice, housing and homelessness, the Thriving Kids initiative, and sustainable funding for essential social services.
“We had a productive and frank conversation with the Premier’s advisers about the challenges facing Victoria and the critical role social services play in supporting vulnerable Victorians,” Dr Nockles said.
“CSSA fully understands the imperative for fiscal discipline and responsible budget management. However, we urged the Victorian Government to ensure that Victoria’s most vulnerable are not the shock absorbers of budget savings.