FORMATION OF NEW GROUP SIGNALS RENEWED SOCIAL JUSTICE FOCUS FOR CHA

Catholic Health Australia has formed a new Social Justice Committee, setting in place the structure needed to achieve our Mission goal of serving as a prophetic voice for the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.

The new Committee brings together Chief Executive Officers and senior managers involved in social services delivery, with an interest in social justice and/or involved in the social inclusion works of their organisation.

Members represented include St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, CatholicCare, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, St John of God Health Care, MercyCare, Centacare, and St Vincent’s Health Australia.The Committee will provide strategic advice and a direction for our social justice advocacy agenda.

Context for the group

We’re pursuing an integrated social justice agenda through our Mission Operational Plan. A significant aspect of this work will be to advocate for better social services for the poor and vulnerable. We will advocate on issues that support the services of our members, their workers and those they care for.

Many of you, our members, have a significant philanthropic role and voice in seeking justice and inclusion for the poor and vulnerable. This reflects your strong commitment to Catholic social teaching on the need to prioritise the poor; work for the common good; and the inherent dignity of the human person, no matter their social or health status.

The new Committee will have strong links with the Mission & Identity Committee. The Mission & Identity Committee will perform an advisory role to the Social Justice Committee, including providing intelligence, insights and data on emerging social justice issues.

Next steps

The Committee will meet for the first time in mid-August.

Please contact Rebecca Burdick Davies, Director, Strategy & Mission on rebeccabd@cha.org.au if you would like further information about the Committee, or if your organisation is interested in becoming involved.