Leslie Massey
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is a welfare organisation that advances the social service ministry of the Catholic Church in Australia. It was established in 1956 as the National Catholic Welfare Committee (NCWC) by Monsignor Frank McCosker. The NCWC was renamed the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission (ACSWC) in 1974 and underwent further consolidation in 2020. CSSA carries out its mission by interacting with Catholic organisations, governments, other churches, and people of goodwill to develop social services policies, programs, and strategic responses that promote human dignity and the economic, social, and spiritual well-being of the Australian community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of founding | 1956 |
| Original name | National Catholic Welfare Committee (NCWC) |
| Founder | Monsignor Frank McCosker |
| Current name | Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) |
| Current Executive Director | Monique Earsman |
| Number of member organisations | 54 or 70 |
| Mission | "Catholic Social Services carries out its Mission by interacting with Catholic organisations, governments, other churches and all people of goodwill, to develop social services policies, programs and other strategic responses that enhance the human dignity of every person and work towards the economic, social and spiritual well-being of the Australian community." |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Catholic Social Services Australia's history
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is a welfare organisation that advances the social service ministry of the Catholic Church in Australia. It was established in 1956 as the National Catholic Welfare Committee (NCWC) by Monsignor Frank McCosker, with the aim of influencing government policy to end poverty in Australia. McCosker worked alongside interfaith and community groups to build support and amplify the social change needed to improve the lives of vulnerable Australians.
In 1974, the NCWC was renamed the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission (ACSWC), and in 2001, it merged with Centacare to become the Catholic Welfare Commission. The organisation underwent further consolidation in 2020, succeeding earlier bodies such as the Catholic Welfare Bureau, and is now known as Catholic Social Services Australia.
CSSA defines its objectives as:
> "Catholic Social Services carries out its Mission by interacting with Catholic organisations, governments, other churches and all people of goodwill, to develop social services policies, programs and other strategic responses that enhance the human dignity of every person and work towards the economic, social and spiritual well-being of the Australian community."
CSSA has 54-70 member organisations in metropolitan, regional and remote Australia, including diocesan-based Centacare and CatholicCare agencies. It works to address social justice and social service issues, advocating for disadvantaged Australians and collaborating with other faith-based charitable service networks. CSSA's vision, mission and day-to-day work are informed by Catholic Social Teaching, which offers a way of thinking about and responding to social justice issues.
Exploring Australia's Diverse Butterfly Species
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic Social Services Australia's mission and values
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is a body that seeks to advance the social service ministry of the Catholic Church. It was founded in 1956 as the National Catholic Welfare Committee (NCWC) by Monsignor Frank McCosker. The NCWC was renamed the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission (ACSWC) in 1974 and underwent further name changes before becoming CSSA in 2020.
CSSA's mission is to interact with Catholic organisations, governments, other churches, and people of goodwill to develop social services policies, programs, and other strategic responses that enhance the human dignity of every person and work towards the economic, social, and spiritual well-being of the Australian community. CSSA envisages a fairer and more inclusive Australian society that reflects and supports the dignity, equality, and participation of all people.
To achieve its mission, CSSA works with a network of member organisations, including diocesan-based Centacare and CatholicCare agencies and those under the stewardship of religious orders. These members provide a range of social services, such as supporting disadvantaged Australians, advocating for welfare payments that meet basic requirements, and addressing the root causes of chronic underfunding of social services. CSSA also engages in interfaith dialogue and collaborates with other religious groups to build community support and amplify the social change needed to uplift vulnerable Australians.
The values of CSSA are rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church and its commitment to social justice and the dignity of the human person. CSSA believes in the importance of community, equality, and participation for all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through its work, CSSA strives to put these values into practice and make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians.
A Working Holiday in Australia: Visa Application Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic Social Services Australia's work
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is a body that advances the social service ministry of the Catholic Church. It was established in 1956 as the National Catholic Welfare Committee (NCWC) by Monsignor Frank McCosker. The NCWC played a significant role in influencing government policy and addressing long-term poverty in Australia.
In 1974, the NCWC was renamed the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission (ACSWC), marking the first of several name changes for the organisation. The ACSWC notably opposed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on food and other necessities, demonstrating its commitment to protecting vulnerable Australians.
In 2001, the ACSWC merged with Centacare to become the Catholic Welfare Commission. This iteration of the organisation continued its advocacy for disadvantaged Australians and worked towards establishing an independent commission to advise the government on welfare payments.
The body underwent another consolidation in 2020, emerging as the Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) with 54 member organisations across metropolitan, regional, and remote Australia. CSSA's mission is to interact with Catholic organisations, governments, other churches, and people of goodwill to develop social services policies and programs that promote the economic, social, and spiritual well-being of the Australian community.
CSSA has advocated for a range of issues, including urging political parties to prioritise the common good in the 2025 Federal Election and supporting a YES vote to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. They have also addressed the financial pressures on not-for-profit social services and the need for adequate funding to support vulnerable Australians.
Applying for NICOP: A Guide for Australians
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic Social Services Australia's organisational structure
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is a welfare organisation that advances the social service ministry of the Catholic Church in Australia. It was established in 1956 as the National Catholic Welfare Committee (NCWC) by Monsignor Frank McCosker. The NCWC was renamed the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission (ACSWC) in 1974. In 2001, the ACSWC merged with Centacare to form the Catholic Welfare Commission. In 2020, the organisation underwent consolidation and became known as Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA).
CSSA is a commission of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and has 54-70 member organisations in metropolitan, regional and remote Australia. Members include diocesan-based Centacare and CatholicCare agencies and those under the stewardship of religious orders. Catholic social policy organisations that operate at the state or local levels are eligible to become Associate Members of CSSA.
CSSA's vision, mission and day-to-day work are informed by Catholic Social Teaching (CST), which offers a way of thinking, being and seeing the world. There are four foundational principles of Catholic Social Teaching:
- Recognising the sacredness of life and that every person has inherent dignity and worth
- Our human rights and responsibilities are founded on this essential, shared human dignity
- We have a responsibility for one another and are called to work for the common good of all
- We must advocate for a just society in which all people, particularly the vulnerable and marginalised, are able to flourish and meet their needs
CSSA defines its objectives as:
> "Catholic Social Services carries out its Mission by interacting with Catholic organisations, governments, other churches and all people of goodwill, to develop social services policies, programs and other strategic responses that enhance the human dignity of every person and work towards the economic, social and spiritual well-being of the Australian community."
The body seeks to influence Australian governments and the community on welfare issues and has been involved in campaigns such as advocating for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to not be applied to food and other necessities, and supporting a YES vote to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Where Kangaroos and Koalas Call Home
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The History of Sound [Blu-Ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/01RmK+J4pJL._AC_UY218_.gif)
Catholic Social Services Australia's influence on government policy
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) was established in 1956 as the National Catholic Welfare Committee (NCWC) by Monsignor Frank McCosker. The organisation has undergone several name changes over the years, but its primary role has remained consistent: to be the national peak body for Catholic providers of social services and to advance the social service ministry of the Catholic Church.
CSSA has had a significant influence on government policy in Australia, particularly regarding welfare issues and social services. For example, in the 1990s, the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission, one of CSSA's predecessor organisations, played a crucial role in opposing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on food and other necessities. This was done to protect impoverished and vulnerable Australians from the financial burden of the tax. The Commission's work and influence were recognised by Prime Minister Paul J. Keating, who acknowledged their "heroic campaign for the Australian community".
CSSA has also advocated for disadvantaged Australians and worked towards establishing an independent commission to advise the Federal Government on appropriate welfare payments. They have conducted critical research, such as the New Budget Standards for Low-Paid and Unemployed Australians Report (2017) and Dropping off the Edge (2015), to inform their advocacy and policy recommendations. CSSA's research aims to understand the underlying drivers of disadvantage and improve the lives of all Australians. They have also been a co-sponsor of the Dropping Off the Edge Report (DOTE), which maps disadvantage in Australia.
In addition to their work on welfare and social services, CSSA has also engaged in interfaith dialogue and collaboration with other religious groups. They supported the Voice to Parliament, a campaign to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, demonstrating their commitment to reconciliation and social justice. CSSA has also urged political parties to prioritise the common good over sectional interests, particularly regarding financial pressures on not-for-profit social services and addressing the root causes of social issues.
Applying for Jobs in Australia: A Guide for Dubai Residents
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) was founded in 1956 as the National Catholic Welfare Committee (NCWC).
Catholic Social Services Australia was founded by Monsignor Frank McCosker.
Catholic Social Services Australia is a welfare organisation that advances the social service ministry of the Catholic Church in Australia. It is the Catholic Church's peak body for social services in Australia.
Catholic Social Services Australia has 54 member organisations in metropolitan, regional and remote Australia.
![A History of Violence (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71lqpbUFtWL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
