Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Fides Service) - Questions of social justice must be a priority for voters on October 9, when Australians will elect a new Prime Minister. The Chairman of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, Bishop Christopher Saunders, has underlined the need for Australians to remember the demands of social justice at the coming election. In line with the pre-election statement issued by the Australian Bishops last May, Bishop Saunders urged voters to consider issues related to justice and fairness before casting their votes. “It is disappointing to note the extent to which the current election campaign has featured appeals to voters’ self-interest”, he said. “The bidding war offering huge cash prizes at times looks like some bizarre ‘The Price is Right’ type game show. “Not enough has been said about the needs of the poorer and more disadvantaged members of society. Poverty has to be an election issue. “At the same time, I am pleased by proposals from both sides of politics aimed at greater fairness in key areas like education, health, family life and the environment. “I note with regret that little has been said during the election campaign about overseas aid, an area where Australia falls well below the UN’s recommended level for affluent countries. “I hope that electors will ignore appeals to greed and will favour candidates with a genuine commitment to the common good.”
Recently the Commission issued a Social Justice Sunday Statement for 2004, Peace Be With You: Cultivating a Culture of Peace stressing the need to promote a culture of peace. The Statement counsels continuing development of a peaceful culture in Australia through reconciliation with Indigenous Australians, development of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and prayer, and the spread of true democratic and multicultural values. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 6/10/2004 Lines: 28 Words: 273)
