Opinion Piece - Paul O'Callaghan
Executive Director, Catholic Social Services Australia
8 May 2012 (as published in Eureka Street)

Budgeting is about setting priorities and setting national directions. When governments are under pressure to raise extra revenue and make savings, it's important that the burden is carried by those with the broadest shoulders.

In a budget which required fiscal discipline, the Government has shown a welcome commitment to social support programs for many lower income Australians and to re-adjusting superannuation tax concessions and other tax breaks.

Catholic Social Services Australia believes that bringing forward spending on the National Disability Insurance Scheme and new spending on aged care and dental care are important investments for improving the quality of life for millions of Australians. Increases to Family Tax Benefit Part A and the Schoolkids Bonus are also welcome.

Catholic Social Services Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to establish a National Children’s Commissioner.

“This national office will enable a much needed high level focus on the wellbeing of children and young people,” said Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Australia, Mr Paul O’Callaghan. “This is a welcome concrete step toward ensuring that children’s rights are taken seriously in policy and legislation at the national level.”

Catholic Social Services Australia applauds the Federal Government’s decision to delay the start date for the operation of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) by three months.

Opinion Piece - Paul O'Callaghan
Executive Director, Catholic Social Services Australia
14 February 2012 (as published - the ABC's website, The Drum)

Could you live on less than $170.40 a week? If you were a single adult on Newstart Allowance getting the maximum amount of Rent Assistance, that's what you'd have left after paying for accommodation. That's less than $25 a day. Of course if you can find a way of living rent-free, you'll have $35 a day.

Catholic Social Services Australia has reiterated their call for Newstart and Youth Allowance to be increased as part of their Pre-Budget submission lodged with government in recent weeks.

Catholic Social Services Australia's submission regarding the Treasury Consultation Paper “Review of Not-for-profit Governance Arrangements” December 2011 and the Exposure Draft of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Bill 2012.

Catholic Social Services Australia welcomes today’s Fair Work Australia ruling in the equal pay case for community sector workers.

“The ruling recognises the historical under-valuation of Australia’s community sector workforce. For CSSA’s national network of agencies, this means recognition for many thousands of staff who make a big difference in the lives of disadvantaged and marginalised Australians” said CSSA Executive Director Paul O’Callaghan.

Work is always better than welfare. While this might be the conventional view in policy circles but recent research suggests that poor quality jobs can leave the unemployed no better off than they were on income support.

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is the Catholic Church’s peak national body for social services. For over 50 years it has assisted its member agencies to promote a fairer, more inclusive society that reflects and supports the dignity, equality and participation of all people.