Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform (ACCCR) MEDIA RELEASE
ACCCR calls for Justice and Compassion in the Federal Election
Date: 28 March 2025
As Australians prepare to cast their votes in the upcoming Federal Election, ACCCR urges voters, political leaders, and policymakers to prioritise social justice, compassion, and integrity in governance.
As a coalition committed to reform within the Catholic Church and broader society, ACCCR calls on all political candidates to commit to policies that reflect fundamental values of human dignity, fairness, and care for the vulnerable.
Key concerns for ACCCR in this election include:
1. Social and Economic Justice – Ensuring policies that reduce inequality, provide a fair living wage, and strengthen the social safety net to support those in need.
2. First Nations Justice – Commitment to real action on reconciliation, including implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart and policies that improve the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
3. Climate Action and Care for Creation – Addressing the urgent climate crisis with strong policies that reduce emissions, support renewable energy, and protect the environment for future generations.
4. Human Rights and Refugee Protection – Ending inhumane offshore detention, ensuring humane and fair treatment of asylum seekers, and upholding Australia’s commitment to international human rights obligations.
5. Integrity in Politics – Advocating for transparency, accountability, and a strong federal anti-corruption commission to restore trust in democratic institutions.
Faith communities play a critical role in shaping a more just and compassionate society. We encourage all voters, especially Catholics and other people of faith, to consider these moral and ethical principles when deciding their vote.
ACCCR calls on political leaders to lead with courage, integrity, and a commitment to the common good. The choices we make in this election will shape the future of our nation and determine whether we become a more inclusive, compassionate, and sustainable society. In this context, we hope for a respectful campaign free of personal attacks, wilful exaggeration and misinformation.
In the last week of the campaign, ACCCR will circulate an assessment of the policies being proposed.