Social Justice Statement – Current
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference release a Social Justice Statement every year
In 2026, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is releasing two Social Justice Statements – one in February and the second in August ahead of Social Justice Sunday.
The first, entitled The Cost of Our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good, was released on February 9. It invites us to reflect deeply on the challenges facing our nation and to respond with faith, hope and love. Across Australia, many people are burdened by the rising cost of life’s necessities.
The Ballarat Diocesan Social Justice Commission celebrated the launch of the February Statement 2026 – “The Cost of Our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good” with a Webinar on Thursday, February 12.
There was a short, livestreamed interview-style event at 11am AEDT webcast from Canberra on February 9 involving Bishop Tim Harris and Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Jerry Nockles. The livestream link is at LIVESTREAM • Launch of the Social Justice Statement – February 2026
SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT PRAYER
O God of justice and mercy,
look upon the struggling families of Australia
crushed by the rising cost of living –
parents skipping meals, choosing
between medicine and power,
fearful that one more bill will break them.
Lord Jesus, born in poverty,
teach us to see You in every exhausted worker,
every pensioner going cold, every
young adult trapped at home.
Holy Spirit, move the hearts of
lawmakers, employers and landlords
to choose fairness over profit and
the common good over excess.
Strengthen your Church to be
a voice for the voiceless
and a true refuge for the poor.
Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
and St Joseph, protector of workers,
intercede for us that rents and
wages may be just and fair
and no child in this land go
hungry or without a home.
Turn our nation to solidarity and hope –
that honest work may always provide bread,
and no one be forced to choose
between dignity and survival.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen