I write this column on the back of the Government’s Economic Roundtable in August. No doubt we will have slow and ongoing drips from the Treasurer on initiatives to increase our productivity in the months between now and the 2028 Federal Election. At least we have a government that appears to be serious on tackling a raft of outdated and non-performing economic levers.

The Society has consistently urged Commonwealth Governments of both persuasions to address problems within the tax and income support system seriously. We have provided detailed advice, including budget-neutral proposals, to ensure the dignity of people who rely on income support to put food on the table and who seek to participate meaningfully in their communities. Tax reform cannot continue to be kicked down the road.

The Society, like many fellow traveller NGOs, is not just a ‘tin rattler’ as some economic journalists like to pigeon-hole advocates that pursue a fairer Australia. We are not after a ‘handout’. We want real reform.

Our 45,000 Members and volunteers relay to the Society’s National Council real-life information drawn from more than 1,000 centres across the nation that illustrates who is hurting and who could reclaim an active place in their community with a ‘hand up’.

Real reform will not be delivered without tackling outdated policies that continue to give financial benefits to those who are already well off.

We are watching this space with enormous interest and will continue to work with the Government, ministers and backbenchers to provide advice on the difficulties being faced by those in need and the actions we believe need to be taken by our federal parliament to deliver a more equitable nation.

May we always see with our hearts and reach out with our hands as Jesus did.

On 14 August 2025, these words were delivered as part of a reflection at the celebration of the 160th anniversary of the Society’s opening in Western Australia. 

Such celebratory occasions provide Vincentians, our employees and those who freely give of their time to offer Good Works, with powerful reminders of the charism our founder Blessed Frédéric Ozanam articulated as he went about offering a hand up to anyone in need during the difficult days in Paris over 190 years ago.

Like in other Australian states, the Society in WA was established by ordinary folk who lived out the parable of the Good Samaritan. They came from all walks of life. What drew them to establish a Vincentian Conference was their shared willingness to cross the road to help when they saw someone in need.

What they lacked in wealth, they made up for through their generosity of time and actions, prepared to walk alongside ordinary people experiencing disadvantage; offering a belief in each person and giving all hope that better times were ahead.

The above words are particularly salutary for Vincentians because they promote our deep connection to the messages found in the Gospels. The Gospels are the foundation for Catholic Social Teaching principles which articulate for us how every person is unique and deserving of respect; in turn, Catholic Social Teaching gives us a lens through which to assess public policy and guide us in our advocacy space.

Our heritage is a guideline for the Society. It demonstrates for us how the Society has strived and continues to strive to exemplify our Founders’ charism in a contemporary world – always willing and present to give a hand up.