In the Media – Catholic Social Services Australia

Hinkler has highest disadvantage ranking of any electorate in Australia

20 October 2021 Communities living in the regional Queensland electorate of Hinkler suffer the highest levels of disadvantage of any electorate in Australia, according to major research undertaken by Catholic Social Services Australia. Hinkler is located in coastal Queensland and takes in the towns of Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Childers, Gayndah and Monto. The research undertaken in 2020 shows that in the towns and regional areas of Hinkler, the levels of education, economic and health disadvantage are the highest in Queensland and the... read more

Suicide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children a national disgrace

15 October 2021 The Catholic Church’s peak social services group, Catholic Social Services Australia, has described findings in a recent ABS report detailing suicide deaths in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children as a national disgrace. The report, Causes of Death, Australia, released late last month found that during the period 2016-2020 suicide was the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged between five and 17. It also found almost one-third (31.9%) of deaths of Aboriginal and... read more

Demand for homelessness assistance doubles over the past 10 years

12 October 2021 Increases in income support, more social housing and a boost to mental health funding are necessary to address the ‘out of control’ demand for homelessness assistance according to the Catholic Church’s peak social services group, Catholic Social Services Australia. According to data released this week by Homelessness Australia the number of Australians with mental health issues seeking homelessness assistance has doubled over the past 10 years. Data shows that between 2019-2020, more than 88,300 people with mental health issues... read more

Rural Disability and Indigenous groups at higher risk of COVID 19 infection as NSW opens up

8 October 2021 The Catholic Church’s peak social services group, Catholic Social Services Australia, has warned that as NSW prepares to loosen COVID 19 restrictions regional disability and Indigenous community members may be at greater risk of infection. Francis Sullivan, Chair of CSSA, said today that some regional communities are well behind in their vaccination rates, which leaves the vulnerable communities in those areas particularly susceptible to COVID infections. “Both the Government and the health authorities have accepted that cases will increase... read more

Catholic Church policy summit needs to deliver reform

1 October 2021 The first major review of Catholic Church policy and governance, which starts on Sunday (3 October 2021), must deliver major reforms and allow lay Catholics greater participation in the governance of the Church according to one of Australia’s most prominent church reformers. Francis Sullivan, Chair of Catholic Social Services Australia, said today that the Catholic Church’s Plenary Council is the first opportunity since the second Vatican Council in 1959 to herald in major reforms to the way in... read more

Federal Government announces plans to roll back COVID financial support a blow to struggling families

29 September 2021 The Morrison government announcement today that it will withdraw emergency COVID 19 financial support to the states and territories a fortnight after they reach an 80 per cent double vaccination rate is a blow to struggling families and could worsen the nation’s mental health pandemic. Francis Sullivan, Chair of Catholic Social Services Australia, said that while the payments could not go on forever the Federal Government needs to ensure that in the event of future COVID lockdowns or... read more

Disability Royal Commission recommends delaying opening up until people living with disabilities vaccinated

27 September 2021 The Disability Royal Commission has described the Federal Government's vaccine rollout to the disability community as "seriously deficient" and lacking in transparency. In a draft report released today, the Commission acknowledges that while the Australian Government Department of Health confronted major challenges in framing the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out strategy it failed to meet these challenges especially to people living with disabilities and disability support workers. The Commission is now calling for the Federal Government to not allow state and... read more

Federal funding for domestic violence needs to flow

24 September 2021 A federal government commitment made to boost funding for domestic violence more than fourmonths ago is still yet to make its way to service providers. The funding, announced in May this year as part of the 2020 Covid response, is earmarked to meetthe growing demand for domestic and family violence services during the pandemic. But many services, including several Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA members), say they arestill waiting to hear when the extra money will become available. In March... read more

OECD suggestion to increase GST to cover COVID debt unfair

15 September 2021 Calls by the OECD to raise the GST to help pay down the federal government’s massive Covid debt would have a devastating impact on low income earners and under- privileged communities according to Australia’s peak Catholic social services group. The recommendation is part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s 2021 Economic Survey of Australia. The OECD is now headed by former Australian finance minister Mathias Cormann. Monique Earsman, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Australia, said today... read more

Catholic Church leaders should be sending a strong vaccination message

13 September 2021 (updated 14 September 2021) Chair of the Catholic Church’s peak social services body said today that reports Sydney Church leaders are calling for parishioners to be able to attend religious services regardless of their vaccination status are very concerning. Francis Sullivan, Chair of Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA), has called on all community leaders, including leaders of the Catholic Church, to back in the advice of public health officials regarding the importance of vaccination. “The most important message that... read more

Government must deliver for people with disability

Media Release 2 September 2021 There is growing fear among Catholic providers of disability services that the National Disability Insurance Scheme will not deliver the level of support that clients and providers need. Catholic Social Services Australia, many of whose members offer services through the NDIS, has said while there was a sense of relief that a plan to implement independent assessments was scrapped, key issues remain. Chief among those concerns is the gap – which appears to be growing – between what... read more

ACU awards funding for community research projects

Media Article 30 August 2021 The projects were chosen following a competitive selection process, and represent different areas of need across Australia. The funding will enable university-community partnerships on short-term collaborative research, with measurable impacts for the partners as well as the communities they serve. ACU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Sandra Jones said that the SESU was striving to have impact through empathy by addressing key areas of need in the community. “We are aware that 2020 and 2021 have been especially difficult for... read more

Monique Earsman named CSSA’s new Executive Director

Media Release 21 July 2021 Monique Earsman, whose working life has included roles in the federal and ACT parliaments and within the Catholic Church, has been named the new executive director of Catholic Social Services Australia. Ms Earsman joined Catholic Social Services Australia last year, serving as executive officer to Ursula Stephens, who stepped down from the CEO role earlier this year. CSSA chair Francis Sullivan said Ms Earsman’s background in politics and strategic communications has prepared her well to carry forward the... read more

Vaccines for disability care workers protect the vulnerable

Media Release 11 July 2021 The national body representing Catholic social service agencies has backed a proposal to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for disability care workers, saying it will keep a vulnerable group of Australians safer. Among the more than 50 members of Catholic Social Services Australia, disability care is one of the most common services provided. Tens of thousands of Australians with disability are supported by Catholic providers each year. CSSA chair Francis Sullivan said while there are legitimate reasons for some... read more

Proposed changes could threaten charities’ free speech

Media Release 10 May 2021 Catholic Social Services Australia is deeply concerned that new regulations could silence charities’ advocacy on behalf of vulnerable groups for fear of having their charitable status revoked. The Australian Parliament is expected to soon consider the expansion of one of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission’s governance standards. CSSA chief executive officer Dr Ursula Stephens says the rationale offered for the change “fails to demonstrate why such an expansion is needed”. If introduced, it risks “unintended consequences regarding... read more

CSSA pays tribute to departing Chief Executive Officer

Media Release 30 April 2021 Catholic Social Service Australia chair Francis Sullivan says departing CEO Ursula Stephens has guided the organisation admirably through a period of change, and will be sorely missed as she takes up a new role. Dr Stephens has today been announced as the new CEO of Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd, the company established in December 2020 to oversee safeguarding, child protection and professional standards matters for the Church in Australia. Mr Sullivan said while he and other members of... read more

More children will suffer under ‘unjust’ JobSeeker payment

Media Release 19 March 2021 Catholic Social Service Australia has denounced the Government’s JobSeeker legislation, which will set the JobSeeker payment at just $44 a day from next week, saying it will push families into poverty. “More than three million people are affected by this decision, which will see almost one million children condemned to living below the poverty line,” said CSSA chief executive officer Ursula Stephens. “This short-sighted and unjust decision will have long-term impacts across society.” Dr Stephens said more than 250,000... read more

$3.57 a day won’t lift anyone out of poverty

Media Release 23 February 2021 A $50 increase to the fortnightly Jobseeker payment and Youth Allowance will do nothing to lift Australians out of poverty and will perpetuate long-term disadvantage, Catholic Social Services Australia CEO Ursula Stephens says. Dr Stephens said today’s decision is “deeply disappointing” to the large network of Catholic social service agencies, calling the Government’s announcement “mean-spirited and short-sighted”. “We know that the increased payments provided through the Coronavirus Supplement improved the living standards of many families in Australia,” she... read more

Christian organisations back post-COVID recovery

Media Article 22 February 2021 As published by CathNews “We vow to provide service and love to all in need without prejudice or judgment — to share our common table with the hungry, to bring warmth and care to the frail, and to proportion our common wealth among the poor and destitute,” said organisations including World Vision, Wesley Mission, Bible Society Australia, Mission Australia and the Presbyterian Church. The joint letter from the Christian community organisations was handed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison... read more

Church groups, Unions take job reform concerns to Parliament

Media Release 19 Feb 2021 Catholic Social Services Australia has joined its voice with the St Vincent de Paul Society, Anglicare and the Australian Council of Trade Unions in opposing proposed changes to industrial relations law. CSSA chief executive officer Ursula Stephens, Vinnies CEO Toby oConnor, Anglicare’s Kasy Chambers and Michele O’Neil from the ACTU have spent time at Parliament this week outlining their concerns about changes to the Fair Work Act currently being considered. Dr Stephens said despite the bill to amend... read more

The Australian Union movement stands with faith organisations in rejecting dangerous elements of IR Omnibus Bill

Media Release 17 February 2021 The Australian Union movement joins with leaders of faith organisations to reject the IR Omnibus Bill proposed by the Morrison Government, which will see a rise in insecure work and further casualisation of the Australian workforce. These measures will disproportionately affect young people and women, and will be detrimental to Australia’s post-pandemic economic recovery. The ACTU stands with faith organisations in recognising and condemning the dangerous measures proposed in the IR Omnibus Bill, and supports their submissions to... read more

Failure to ‘raise the rate’ could entrench disadvantage

Media Release 16 February 2021 Catholic Social Services Australia CEO Ursula Stephens says the failure to retain the higher Jobseeker rate provided during the pandemic will create financial pressure on families that could last for generations. “In a matter of weeks, people forced to rely on unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 crisis will be plunged into poverty as the JobSeeker payment falls back down to an unlivable $40 a day”, said Dr Stephens. “The evidence is clear: the original rate of JobSeeker is... read more

Jobs in care sector can stimulate COVID recovery

Media Release 29 January 2021 A new Catholic Social Services Australia report says bolstering the under-resourced disability, aged care and social services workforces could hold the key to Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The national peak body for Catholic social service agencies today published Strong Economy, Stronger Australia – Building Our Prosperity to Serve the Common Good. The report outlines the detrimental effects of the pandemic, including those felt by some of the country’s most vulnerable workers, and offers a... read more

CSSA calls for urgent rethink on Jobseeker cuts

Media Release 8 December 2020 Catholic Social Services Australia has urged the Government to heed the findings of experts and its own reports and reverse its decision to cut the JobSeeker allowance next month. A number of key social service agencies, peak bodies and industry associations have recently published analysis of the likely outcomes if the Jobseeker allowance falls to $51 per day from January 1 – as currently planned. Almost two million Australians are expected to be affected by cuts to assistance... read more

Catholic sector worried about Cashless Debit Card extension

Media Release 10 November 2020 Catholic Social Services Australia has told a Senate Committee that plans to continue and extend the cashless debit card system are “stigmatising” and would disproportionately affect Indigenous Australians. The national peak body for dozens of Catholic social service agencies recently made a submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs on the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Continuation of Cashless Welfare) Bill 2020. CSSA noted that it had previously expressed its opposition to the compulsory cashless debit card... read more

Francis Sullivan appointed Chair of Catholic Social Services Australia Ltd

Media Release 27 October 2020 Francis Sullivan has been elected the new chair of Catholic Social Services Australia Ltd during the first meeting of the entity since its recent consolidation. Mr Sullivan has held a number of significant roles within and beyond the Catholic Church, including as chief executive officer of Catholic Health Australia and as secretary general of the Australian Medical Association. As CEO of the Truth, Justice and Healing Council, he led the Catholic Church’s engagement with the Royal Commission... read more

Friendship and solidarity key themes in Pope Francis’ letter

Media Release: Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 4 October 2020 A world that looks beyond a global pandemic with no roadmap can find one in Pope Francis’ new encyclical, which Archbishop Mark Coleridge says “is not just for believers but for the entire human family”. Published this evening, the Pope’s third encyclical is entitled Fratelli Tutti (Brothers and Sisters All) – words taken from St Francis of Assisi, who the Pope says has inspired what he writes. “It is a vision of the dignity... read more

Budget leaves many asking ‘what hope for me?’

Media Release 6 October 2020 Catholic Social Services Australia says while the 2020-21 Commonwealth Budget delivers a financial boost for some, the country’s most vulnerable will again find themselves asking “What hope for me?” “With hundreds of thousands of Australians struggling to find work or not able to access enough hours of work, they’ll be left to ponder how they will walk their individual path through the pandemic’s aftermath,” said CSSA chief executive officer Ursula Stephens. “Billions of dollars in tax cuts will... read more

Australian children and families need greater certainty

Media Release 8 September 2020 Catholic Social Services Australia is calling on the Australian Government to ensure the needs of children and vulnerable families are priorities in the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. CSSA comprises 60 member organisations providing social services in more than 650 communities across Australia. The network supports some of the country’s most vulnerable people. It is concerned that the Government’s failure to provide certainty to providers of its Families and Communities Programme (FCP) is damaging the long-term planning... read more

JobSeeker decisions a test for Morrison Government

Media Release 14 July 2020 The Morrison Government’s decision on the future of the Jobkeeper and Jobseeker payments must deliver an outcome that adequately supports those who are vulnerable, Catholic Social Services Australia says. Ursula Stephens, the CEO of the organisation representing dozens of Catholic social service agencies that support hundreds of thousands of Australians each year, says next week’s economic update gives the Government the chance to reset one of the country’s key safety nets. “With some 1.4 million people on... read more

Grant applications opened for ongoing bushfire recovery

18 May 2020 As published by the ACBC Media Blog and Cath News Catholic Emergency Relief Australia (CERA) has opened an initial grant application round to support those continuing the long process of recovery from the summer’s catastrophic bushfire season. CERA chair Susan Pascoe said while the country “is largely – and understandably – focused on the COVID-19 pandemic”, challenges like social isolation and financial hardship are exacerbating some problems the bushfires caused. “Some of the people who were deployed to offer material,... read more

JobKeeper package vital to the Charitable Sector

Media Release 2 April 2020 Catholic Social Services Australia supports the government’s JobKeeper announcement, but says amendments will be necessary to protect thousands of jobs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Charitable organisations that receive funding through government grant programs will find it difficult to demonstrate the required loss of overall turnover to qualify for the JobKeeper activities if those funds are counted as part of the organisation’s turnover,” CSSA chief executive officer Ursula Stephens explained. “Many of our organisations have multiple funding streams.... read more

Tailoring innovation and investment to tackle persistent disadvantage

Media Release Monday 23 March 2020 People across Australia are experiencing persistent disadvantage but are being forgotten because of the fallacy of average levels of advantage, a new Catholic Social Services Australia report has revealed. Mapping the Potential, a partnership between CSSA, 21 of its members and the Australian National University’s Centre for Social Research Methods, goes beyond the usual analysis of advantage and disadvantage. “Countless studies have been carried out that look at the important issue of economic disadvantage, but that only tells part of the story,” said CSSA... read more

Charity sector must be supported through crisis

16 March 2020 As published in CathNews The Federal Government’s move to assist small business and protect jobs during the coronavirus crisis must be broadened to include the charity sector, Catholic Social Services Australia says. CSSA chief executive officer Ursula Stephens said the charity sector remains vulnerable to a slowing economy. “Giving charities and social services access to cashflow support will provide greater certainty around their business continuity at a time when many regional and rural communities continue to be affected by drought... read more

Catholic Social Services backs stimulus, but urges prudence

Media Release March 13, 2020 Catholic Social Services Australia says governments and other key institutions have a duty to respond to the coronavirus challenge with a focus on pursuing the common good. “At a time of social and economic uncertainty, we need concrete measures that support our economy,” CSSA chief executive officer Ursula Stephens said. “The targeted $750 cash payment to families and those on pensions and allowances such as Newstart is an important step in injecting vital cash into the economy.” However, the... read more

CatholicCare Wollongong – 40th Anniversary

A special thanks to the Illawarra Mercury for creating a wonderful tribute to CatholicCare Wollongong, marking their 40th Anniversary. The article honours the special people who built the foundations of this organisation, namely Roger Austin and Kath McCormack, while looking at the evolution of social services over time. CatholicCare's mission remains the same, existing to bring joy to those we serve by enabling growth, healing and hope, regardless of cultural or religious background. read more

Collaboration will enhance church’s disaster response

CSSA is proud to be leading this whole-of-Church initiative to help people and communities recover from the current bushfire crisis will set the blueprint for how the Catholic Church responds to domestic natural disasters in the future read more

Catholic Social Services Network prioritises bushfire victims

Media Release 8 January 2020 Supporting families and communities through the trauma and lasting impact of the bushfire devastation in New South Wales and Victoria is a national priority for Catholic Social Services Australia and its members. With staff and volunteers working in some of the most bushfire-affected areas of the country, the national network of Catholic social service agencies is mobilising to help communities recover and rebuild from the current crisis. Ursula Stephens, CEO of Catholic Social Services Australia, said... read more

Bushfire emergencies: How you can help?

31 December 2019 As Australia’s bushfire crisis continues, firefighters have been injured, lost their homes and, tragically, lost their lives. Many people are wondering how best to help and donate to the fire-fighting and recovery effort. Catholic Social Services across Australia are providing support in local communities. From emergency relief funding to counselling and support for famiies who have lost everything. Everyone can make a difference in this time of climate crisis. Here’s what some of the organisations on the front... read more

CSSA - Catholic Social Services Australia

Catholic social services team up to battle disadvantage

Media Article 11 September 2019 More than 20 Catholic social service providers from across Australia have joined with researchers from the Australian National University to commission new research into entrenched disadvantage. ANU Researchers with Dr Brenton Prosser (left), Former Director Research, CSSA Today marks the commencement of research activity for the Identifying Locational Drivers of Entrenched Disadvantage project. “This project is a significant coming together across the national Catholic social services network,” said Catholic Social Services Australia CEO Ursula Stephens, who launched the project... read more

Statement on the 6th Anniversary of Australia’s Mandatory and Indefinite Offshore Detention Policy

19 July 2019 From the Catholic Outlook This weekend marks the sixth anniversary of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s announcement that no person seeking asylum by boat would ever be resettled in Australia. Every single person arriving after that date was to be subjected to indefinite detention on Manus Island, PNG, or in the Republic of Nauru, under ‘processing’ arrangements between the Australian Government and those Pacific states. Six years on, roughly 800 refugees and people seeking asylum still remain trapped on Manus... read more

New Catholic social services CEO plans on working closely with government

17 July 2019 Former Labor candidate for Goulburn, Parliamentary Secretary and Senator, Dr Ursula Stephens is again back in a leadership role as the new CEO for Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA), the Catholic Church’s peak national body for social services in the country. Dr Stephens spoke with Region media about “filling the large shoes” of retiring CEO Jesuit priest Fr Frank Brennan who has been a long-time advocate for human rights and social justice in Australia, and the CSSA’s advocacy and research... read more

Dr Ursula Stephens accepts the baton

1 July 2019 The clichéd comment to make to someone about to take over from someone else who is well-known and highly regarded is to say they have big shoes to fill. In taking over from Fr Frank Brennan as the new CEO of Catholic Social Services Australia on July 1, Dr Ursula Stephens comes to the position with very sizeable shoes of her own. At least metaphorically, even if her actual feet lean towards the daintier end of the spectrum. Read... read more

Long-time CSSA employee gets papal honour

16 May 2019 Mary Clare Jamieson, CSSA’s director of corporate services, was bestowed the symbol of honour of the Exalted Cross – Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (for services to the Church and to the Pope), which is instituted for persons distinguished for outstanding service and zeal. A long-time Catholic Social Services Australia employee has been awarded a papal honour for her services to the Church and to the Pope. Read more at Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Media Blog read more

Ursula Stephens to lead Catholic Social Services Australia

Media Release 3 May 2019 Catholic Social Services Australia Chair Dr Maria Harries says she is delighted to announce that Dr Ursula Stephens will take up the role as CSSA’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective from July 1. “The CSSA Board was fortunate to receive a number of high-calibre applications for this significant appointment, which is a testament to the work that Catholic social services providers carry out each day across the country,” Dr Harries said. “The appointment of Dr Stephens promises to... read more

CSSA’s 2019 Federal Election Statement

Catholic Social Services Australia has just published its Federal Election Statement. CSSA is calling on the Parliament and the incoming government to commit to: Providing low-income and vulnerable families access to adequate income and social services when and where they need them; A full employment economy through the establishment of a Job Guarantee Program; Supporting the empowerment and self-determination of our First Nation peoples by working collaboratively and in genuine, formal partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in progressing constitutional recognition; Resettling all... read more

Easter Sky News interview with Fr Frank Brennan SJ, CSSA’s CEO

A broad-ranging interview including Newstart; NDIS; energy policy; asylum seekers and refugees; and the ongoing leadership and inspiration of Pope Francis. Listen to the interview here. read more

Church calls for living wage for Australian families

17 March 2019 The Church has made submissions on the minimum wage since 2003 with a focus on low-paid workers and their families, arguing for a decent standard of living for wage-dependent families. Megan Kavanagh, a member of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Employment Relations Reference Group, said there has been a tradition in Australia – dating back to the Harvester decision in 1907 – that people in full-time work with dependants should not live in poverty. Read more at the Australian... read more

Christian charity must start with God: Lismore Bishop

20 February 2019 As published in the Catholic Outlook The first call for those working in social services is to see the need of others through the eyes of God, Lismore Bishop Greg Homeming OCD has told Catholic social service leaders from across the country. On a day when tributes to the late Fr Leo Donnelly featured prominently, Bishop Homeming issued his challenge – and invitation – at the Catholic Social Services Australia national conference. This year’s conference is being held in Port... read more

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference – Statement on Refugees and Asylum Seekers

December 18, 2018 STATEMENT FROM THE ACBC PRESIDENT ARCHBISHOP MARK COLERIDGE Our elected representatives have returned home for Christmas without resolving the offshore detention crisis that confronts our country. It would seem that a majority in both houses of our Parliament favour laws and policies that will bring to an end the five-year saga of refugees and asylum-seekers who have had to put their lives on hold on Nauru and Manus Island. A wealthy country with a robust rule of law and... read more