Call for greater focus on domestic, family and sexual violence
The CSSA statement noted that violence against women and children was notably absent from the Budget, and called for prevention to remain a national priority, including the timely finalisation of the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children in 2026 and implementation of the Our Ways—Strong Ways—Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026–2036.
‘These issues are particularly acute outside metropolitan centres and must be addressed as a priority,’ Dr Nockles said, pointing out that ‘Without adequate crisis accommodation, victim-survivors face unacceptable barriers to safety and recovery.’
In its response to the Budget, CSSA acknowledged the need for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to be sustainable but warned that any reforms must prioritise the dignity, agency and wellbeing of people living with disability.
Our policies must promote solidarity and the dignity of every person, reflecting the Catholic Social Teaching principle of the common good.
CSSA Director of Policy and Advocacy Ms Carmel Sefian highlighted the tension between controlling costsand preserving the scheme’s core principles of choice and inclusion.
‘For many, losing NDIS support means losing essential assistance that enables daily living, communication, work, learning and social connection,’ Ms Sefian said. ‘This can lead to increased isolation and greater strain on families.’
The statement also called on the government to provide clear details on how reforms will be implementedand to implement safeguards to protect those currently relying on support. ‘People deserve certainty andreassurance that their dignity and wellbeing will be upheld,’ Ms Sefian said.
Upholding approaches that support the common good
The CSSA statement noted that in responding to housing and economic challenges, governmentpolicy and public discourse should not pit generations against each other, contending that such division risks undermining social cohesion and obscuring the shared struggles faced by Australians of all ages.
Noting that older Australians, particularly older single women, are among the fastest growing cohorts experiencing homelessness, the statement pointed out that many in this cohort have faced stable housing for decades but are being pushed into insecurity by life shocks such as illness, relationship breakdown or job loss. Structural inequalities, including gendered workforce participation and retirement savings gaps, compound their vulnerability, it noted.
‘It is inappropriate and unhelpful to foster division between generations for political or electoral advantage,’ Dr Nockles said. ‘We must recognise that Australians of all ages face housing insecurity and financial hardship. Our policies must promote solidarity and the dignity of every person, reflecting the Catholic Social Teaching principle of the common good.’
Budgets must be about more than numbers; they must be about real people and real lives.
Looking ahead, CSSA called on the government to build on its fiscal discipline by pursuing more targeted and effective support for vulnerable Australians, enabling them to flourish and lead fulfilling lives.
‘We urge policymakers to remember that behind every statistic is a person—a family—struggling to make ends meet,’ Dr Nockles concluded. ‘Budgets must be about more than numbers; they must be about real people and real lives. Fiscal responsibility and social justice are not competing values but complementary imperatives.’
Investment in foreign aid welcomed
In a statement released on 13 May, Caritas Australia welcomed the Australian government’s continued investment in international aid, noting that the Budget recognised Australia’s vital role in responding to growing global humanitarian need.
The Budget commits $5.2 billion in overseas development assistance (ODA) in 2026–27, representing a modest increase of $112 million compared to the previous year, and helping to maintain Australia’s support at a time when many global donors are scaling back.
Australia’s continued commitment to international assistance serves to save lives, strengthen communities and contribute to a more stable and peaceful region.
In the statement, Caritas Australia CEO Kirsten Sayers said the commitment comes at a critical moment, with global humanitarian needs continuing to rise sharply while aid budgets are under pressure internationally.
‘Around the world, people are facing compounding crises such as ongoing conflict, climate‑driven disasters and economic shocks, all while global aid is under great strain,’ Ms Sayers said. ‘In turn, Australia’s continued commitment to international assistance serves to save lives, strengthen communities and contribute to a more stable and peaceful region.’