Catholic Social Services Australia, urging the Commonwealth Government to reconsider its plans to decrease the rate of JobSeeker payments from January 1. CEO Ursula Stephens explains that the temporary increase to the payment due to COVID-19 had a positive impact on the wellbeing of recipients, but lowering the rate next month will resume a “long-term decline in the adequacy” of the payment.

Chair of Catholic Social Services Victoria's Domestic Violence Working Group, Felicity Rorke has penned a letter to each parish priest in Victoria, urging them to "play a part" in a whole of Church approach to community awareness and prevention, and a just and compassionate response to violence in the home. The letter was sent to each parish priest along with a new poster that can be displayed in school or parish offices, or on community noticeboards. 

"Pope Francis is not afraid of calling out systems that drive oppression and exploitation, and unless these systems are recognised and exposed, confronted and dismantled, fundamental change will not occur. The change we need goes beyond national interests ..." We need a "globalisation of hope", which is "a hope that springs from people and takes root among the poor and must replace the globalisation of exclusion and indifference". Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv of Diocese of Parramatta challenged us at the national Catholic social services conference earlier this year, and his words continue to do so in the newly published book, Serving Community with Courage and Compassion.

CSSV's November eNewsletter is out now! With the Victorian Budget tabled only hours ago, this newsletter is full of latest news and information, upcoming events from Catholic Social Services Victoria and from our member network. We've also included links to the latest job opportunities that can be found within the Catholic social services sector. If you haven't already subscribed, be sure to do so here.