As Australia prepares for the upcoming federal election (to be held on or before 17 May 2025), the Sydney Alliance is poised to challenge policymakers on some of the most pressing issues of our time at this year’s Federal Pre-Election Assembly to be held in March at Westmead: housing, energy, and climate policy.
The Alliance is a diverse coalition of community and religious organisations as well as unions and schools, aiming to advocate for the common good to make Sydney – and indeed Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains – a more just, fair and sustainable place to live.
The Diocese of Parramatta, a proud member of the Sydney Alliance since its founding, continues to be an active partner in this important work. Members of Catholic parishes, schools and organisations are invited to join a diocesan delegation attending the upcoming assembly, a great chance to experience and showcase our faith and Catholic Social Teaching in action.
With the federal election looming, the Alliance is using this pivotal opportunity to shape the future of these sectors, bringing the voices of community leaders directly to the heart of political debates.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, along with other policymakers from both major parties and the crossbench (yet to be confirmed), will be attending the Assembly.
Alliance members and the public will have the unique opportunity to experience direct negotiations with Federal decision-makers – holding politicians accountable for their commitments to the alliance at the assembly.
At the last major gathering of the Sydney Alliance in October 2024, the evening ended with a pledge by each participating organisation, regarding the number of individuals that will attend the Sydney Alliance’s 2025 pre-election assembly.
Organising committee member and Diocesan Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator, Sebastian Salaske-Lentern told Catholic Outlook at the time, “We continue to advocate for those in need in our community, with the hope that state and federal community leaders will respond to these issues for fairer and more equitable access to housing and affordable and renewable energy.”
Also attending in October where teacher Anthony Matthews and students from St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens. At the upcoming Federal Pre-Election Assembly, Anthony is bringing students along again. And he will also be one of the five Assembly Co-chairs, who MC and facilitate the program.
“With the support of the Diocese, I am inspired witnessing young people in Western Sydney stand in solidarity, take action for the common good, and uphold the dignity of all,” Anthony said.
“Guided by Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti, I strive in my witness to accompany the community in listening and empowering others to help ensure every voice is heard.
“Together, we can build a just and inclusive world.”
This year’s pre-election assembly provides a chance for the Alliance and its member organisations, including the Diocese of Parramatta, to build meaningful relationships with key decision-makers and ensure that community takes centre-stage in future policies.
The last NSW Pre-Election Assembly two years ago influenced rental reforms at state level and helped secure greater state investment in social housing. This year, the Sydney Alliance is determined to continue their momentum at the Federal level with even greater participation.
The efforts of the Sydney Alliance are crucial in supporting individuals and the broader community who are struggling, driving change where it’s needed most to address the housing crisis, for instance.
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains Executive Director Helen Emmerson said that reforms to Australia’s housing laws couldn’t come sooner for people struggling to have a roof over their head in the Diocese of Parramatta.
“Our clients, like many people in this economic climate, struggle with finding safe and affordable housing,” she said.
“This is compounded by the fact that many of our clients come from socially vulnerable backgrounds. They are women with children, migrants and refugees.
“We need to make housing a priority with our policymakers and legislators.”
Pastoral Plan Implementation Lead for the Diocese of Parramatta Mike Schembri commented this was an opportunity for the Diocese and the people of Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains to advocate for key issues.
“Our Pastoral Plan, commits us to supporting refugees and migrants in our community and one way we can do this is by addressing housing issues – a key obstacle for those in our community with no job, credit history, rental history, or English language skills,” Mike said.
“We can also challenge the government’s climate change policy, advocating for stronger protections to support care for our common home.”
The upcoming federal election pre-assembly will be held on Thursday 13 March from 5.40-7.40pm at the Morley Centre in Westmead. Please visit the Diocese of Parramatta’s Events page to find out more or register your attendance. Participation is free, however fees may apply if you wish to stay for an Iftar Dinner after 7.40pm.
