Australia’s Catholic bishops have urged courage and tenderness in addressing the nation’s cost-of-living crisis in their latest social justice statement, The Cost of our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good.
“Across Australia, many of our sisters and brothers are burdened by the rising cost of life’s necessities,” writes Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, in the preface to the statement.
“For some, this means skipping meals, delaying medical care or living without secure housing. These are not just economic statistics – they are human stories of struggle and resilience.
“As disciples of Jesus, we cannot turn away from these realities. The Gospel calls us to see Christ in those who suffer and to walk alongside them with compassion.
“This statement is an invitation to listen and to act.”
The statement reveals key facts and figures about the crisis, points to Catholic social teaching as a means of addressing it, and outlines a list of actions largely focused on local communities.
“In a wealthy country like Australia, it seems inconceivable that there should be so much hardship,” the statement reads.
“Many of us cannot see a way out of the cost-of-living crisis. This must change. Australia needs to learn to hope again.”
Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service chair, Bishop Tim Harris, said: “All of us can – and should – help to build a stronger, compassionate, more resilient and fairer country.”
SVDP urges practical action
Welcoming the release of the statement, National President of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Mark Gaetani, said it reflected what the Society’s members, volunteers and employees are hearing every day from people seeking help, many of whom are reaching out for the first time.
“Families are skipping meals so they can keep the lights on, parents are delaying medical treatment, and more people are being pushed into housing stress or homelessness because they cannot keep up with soaring rents and other essentials,” Mr Gaetani said.
While assisting those in need with food, clothing, bills, rent, and referrals to specialist services – as well as advocating for long‑term solutions so that fewer people are pushed into poverty – Mr Gaetani said the growing demand for help was “stretching charities like us to our limits.”
“We’re urging governments at all levels to reverse the cost-of-living crisis with practical action, including meaningful tax and welfare reforms that prioritise human rights over tax breaks for the wealthiest households, a significant boost to social and affordable housing, and adequate income support,” he added.
Inflation fuelling the fire
Adding further to the crisis is the recent rise in inflation which Dr Jerry Nockles, CEO of Catholic Social Services Australia, said was “a relentless and crushing burden weighing down on those already struggling to get by.”
“Behind every percentage point is a family trying to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads,” Dr Nockles said.
“Without urgent support, the gap between survival and despair grows wider every day.
“If inflation is not effectively managed, the consequences risk deepening economic hardship for individuals and families, while also exacerbating broader social inequalities and undermining economic stability,” he added.
Each year since 1940, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has issued a statement on a key social issue for reflection and discussion in the lead-up to Social Justice Sunday.
This year, the bishops have chosen to release two statements – this one and another which will be released in August ahead of Social Justice Sunday (August 30).