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The St Vincent de Paul Society offers over 200 services across Australia that help people in need. For more information on the services provided in your state or territory click the link opposite or contact our assistance line:
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National Council

SVdP Housing Australia

Pre-Budget Submission 2026

The St Vincent de Paul Society (Society) is a partner of governments. Our charitable work couples with government assistance initiatives to promote resilience and unity in civil society in times of need.
The Society’s focus is on addressing the root causes of disadvantage and poverty, reducing inequality and helping Australians reach their full potential. The Society’s Members provide material assistance to those struggling with everyday living and they tell us that the number of people seeking assistance has significantly increased over the past 12 months.
The Society acknowledges the various Government initiatives aimed at addressing the cost of living and housing crises, from increased access to bulk billing and cheaper medicines, through to the energy rebate and various housing initiatives.
However, Australians are continuing to struggle to meet basic, everyday expenses.
In short, more people are seeking our assistance, and their needs have increased in complexity (around 15 per cent increase). This, along with increased costs, is making it harder to assist all those who need our help. The situation is also heightened in the lead up to Christmas and follows through to the start of the school year. <a href="/media/4y5cla0d/st-vincent-de-paul-society-2026-pre-budget-submission.pdf" title="2026 Pre Budget Submission" target="_blank" class="primary-button-blue" rel="noopener">Read the 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submission (PDF)</a>

SVDP food security strategy submission picture

Submission to the Department of Agriculture on the development of a National Food Security Strategy

Lessons for refugee support

Caption: Chair of the Vincentian Refugee Network, Tim McKenna (right) at the Home Affairs Refugee Week event with, among others, Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn (back row, centre), and Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne MP (left). Photo courtesy Alicia Payne MP.&nbsp;

Discussion Paper - Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2025-26

A Fairer Taxation and Welfare System 2025

A winning vote for Justice and Compassion

‘Justice is a fixed star which human societies try to follow from their uncertain orbits. It can be seen from different points of view, but justice itself remains unchanged.’ – Blessed Frédéric Ozanam

Milestone marked at Government House Victoria

Marking the Society’s 170 years of service in Australia at Government House, Victoria were (l-r) Tom Quinn, Board Chair, Vincentcare Community Housing, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, Dr Jenny Fitzgerald AM, Group Chief Executive Officer, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, and Michael Quinn, State President, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria

In a cashless society inclusion must rule

An article written by the National President of St Vincent de Paul Society, Mark Gaetani.

A pen writes a letter with both hands on the table, accompanied by the logo of the St Vincent de Paul National Council.

Publication of the 2025 Circular Letter from the President General

The International President General of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has published the&nbsp;2025 Circular Letter, a document outlining the guidelines and reflections for this year. In this epistle, emphasis is placed on the importance of&nbsp;Vincentian friendship, service to the most in need, and personal transformation&nbsp;as pillars of social commitment.
This year is particularly significant as it has been declared a&nbsp;Jubilee Year&nbsp;by Pope Francis under the theme&nbsp;“Pilgrims of Hope”, reinforcing the call for&nbsp;spiritual renewal&nbsp;and commitment to&nbsp;social justice.
The letter also highlights the Society’s progress in&nbsp;training, youth engagement, governance, and international solidarity projects, with a special focus on&nbsp;the fight against poverty and the impact of climate change.
<a href="/media/kgynts1h/carta-circular-pgi-2025-en.pdf" title="Circular Letter from the President General for 2025" target="_blank" class="primary-button-blue" rel="noopener">Read the Full letter here.</a>

a lady wearing black and white stripe shirt for glossary shopping with cash acceptance

Submission on Mandating cash acceptance – Consultation paper December 2024

The St Vincent de Paul Society Australia agrees with the proposal to mandate the acceptance of cash for essential goods and services but is concerned that small businesses will be exempt. This is an issue for those living in rural and remote communities, who often rely on small businesses for their essential goods and services and have limited or no alternatives. The Society is also keen to ensure that those who prefer to use cash are not disadvantaged or left behind in the transition towards a cashless society.
<a href="/media/bubngfok/cashless-society-submission.pdf" title="Cashless Society Submission" class="primary-button-yellow">Download the PDF file of our response</a>

Australian dollars and coins indicate budget

Pre Budget Submission 2025

The Society’s 2025 Pre Budget submission calls for increases to income support and domestic violence payments, as well as increases to medical bulk billing services, Status Resolution Support Services and the Remote Allowance Payment. The continued housing crises means more most be done to improve access to affordable housing such as reviewing Commonwealth Rent Assistance and funding more Specialist Homelessness Services.
Increase in demand for emergency relief has continued throughout 2024 and 2025 which is why increased funding is also sought for the Commonwealth Emergency Relief program.
<a href="/media/vxuhvhm1/st-vincent-de-paul-society-2025-pre-budget-submission.pdf" title="St Vincent De Paul Society 2025 Pre Budget Submission" target="_blank" class="primary-button-blue" rel="noopener">Read the 2025-26 Pre Budget Submission (PDF)</a>

St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania’s Southern Regional President Louise Wilson, CEO Heather Kent, National President Mark Gaetani, State President Corey McGrath, North West Regional President Karen Maynard and the Catholic Archbishop of Hobart, Julian Porteous.

Society celebrates 125 years in Tasmania