Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is the Catholic Church’s national peak body for organisations that deliver its social services ministry. Our membership is drawn from organisations operating under the authority of a diocesan bishop or a religious order and from Catholic lay associations.
Our role is to provide national advocacy on behalf of poor and vulnerable Australians and the Catholic social services organisations that serve them.
CSSA works with our member network, the Bishops of Australia, leaders of Religious Institutes, and the broader Church, partnering with like-minded Catholic agencies including Caritas, Catholic Health Australia, the National Catholic Education Commission, and St Vincent de Paul Society.
Additionally, we collaborate with governments and all people of goodwill, sharing a common goal to develop practical social welfare policies and programs, supporting public policy change that will improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable in Australia.
Our Purpose
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) exists to challenge, advocate and campaign for just and compassionate socio-economic policies that uplift the lives of vulnerable people in our communities.
For over 60 years, in partnership with our members, CSSA has been a conduit for social change backed by evidence-based research and aligned to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Our Vision
CSSA envisages a fairer, more inclusive Australian society that reflects and supports all people’s dignity, equality, and participation.
Our Mission
CSSA advances the social service ministry, which is integral to the Mission of the Catholic Church in Australia.
Our Values
As an organisation, we work to 5 fundamental values:
- Compassion
- Collaboration
- Excellence
- Accountability
- Innovation
