Vinnies Qld backs Social Justice Statement call for economic justice during cost-of-living crisis

The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland supports the call to action outlined in the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement, which urges us to work towards ‘Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good’.
 

The 2026 Social Justice Statement invites Australians to reflect and respond to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and to act through faith and compassion for a fairer, more dignified response to poverty and rising costs of living.

State President Patricia McMahon, who spoke on behalf of the Society at the recent Queensland launch of the Statement, said in her 13 years with the Society, she had never seen the level of hardship faced by Queenslanders during the current cost-of-living crisis.

“The Social Justice Statement reminds us that responding to the urgency of poverty is a shared responsibility,” she said.

“Governments, businesses, churches and community organisations must work together for the common good, with shared sincerity, compassion and determination.

“Our Society started in 1833 by Founder Frederic Ozanam, who was inspired by a challenge from one of his classmates, “What is your church doing for the poor? Show us your works and we will believe you’.

“We should be asking ourselves the same question today. And just like Frederic Ozanam, it should inspire us to action.”

Advocacy and Government Relations Manager Katherine O’Regan, who also presented at the Queensland launch, said the Society was founded on the principles of social justice.

“The release of this Statement is timely not only as it shines a light on the increasing challenges and increasing number of individuals and families challenged by day-to-day costs of life and living,” Katherine said.

“But also timely as the Society here in Queensland, is embarking on a journey of strengthening our social justice and advocacy work and defining our actions.

“I am encouraged by the Statement’s call that responsibility rests with all of us — and that every sector of society must act.

“Governments, corporations and businesses, churches and faith communities, civil society organisations, and the wider community each have a vital role to play in responding to the cost-of‑living crisis.”

Katherine said the Society seeks to meet these challenges with the development of a Social Justice and Advocacy Plan, that will also look to strengthen the capacity and confidence of our Members in their own advocacy work.

“I hold closely the Statement’s call: that we become prophets of hope — not only in our words, but in our actions and in the spirit with which we carry them out,” she said.

Click here to read the full 2026 Social Justice Statement

You can also watch the full Queensland launch of the Statement, including presentations from Patricia and Katherine and a Q&A panel with Director of Mission James Hodge on the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of Brisbane’s website.