Overall the Australian Government’s 2024 Budget is one that lacks vision and a clear path forward in the three policy areas which the Edmund Rice Centre focuses on: First Nations, Refugees and People Seeking Asylum, and Pacific climate justice.  More broadly, the Budget fails to address fundamental, long-term challenges facing everyday Australians, including the housing crisis and the underfunding of key services such as our public education system.

First Nations

The redirection of $20 million from support for a Voice to Parliament to other policy priorities is excused as being in line with the result of the recent Referendum. However, this decision is not in line with the bi-partisan commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its priorities, nor is it in line with Australia's international commitments as a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. 

Pentecost Sunday

‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful

and kindle in us the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit

and we shall be created,

and you shall renew the face of the earth.'

Please note that two gospel readings are proposed for today. These reflections will refer to both.

Today, in our celebration of Pentecost, despite death and destruction, famine and genocide, we dare to say that God can blow new energy into people and places. It is a moment in history that continually unravels itself within our lives.

On Mother's Day we seek to express love, appreciation, and gratitude to the role of women in our society, often unacknowledged, for their unconditional love, support and sacrifices towards others. As this is a time for celebration in many places it is necessary to remember that it began with women who sought to bring peace across borders and recognised the humanity of women and men impacted by war. As we take the opportunity to honour and celebrate the women who have profoundly impacted on our lives, we must face the truth of the great suffering that women undergo in our country and around the world where there is domestic violence, war, civil discord, famine, and poverty.