I have been asked frequently in recent weeks who Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) would like to see win the Federal Election. The truth is that we do not endorse one party over another.
CSSA seeks to bring the message of the Gospel, as interpreted in Catholic Social Teaching and as lived in the experience of Catholic social services and the people they serve, to all members of parliament, and each of the parties to which they subscribe.
Frankly, the task is often very difficult to define clearly in practice. The recent robust discussion about the merits and limitations of various parties in the current election campaign highlights the difficulty that the Church can sometimes have in being clear about its role in influencing politics.
Perhaps this is because the task of political influence seldom involves the linear path from Gospel values, to a careful understanding of the needs and aspirations of vulnerable people, to well conducted research, to sound and effective public policy expressed in effective and just social programs and better legislation.
The real task of political influence is frequently undertaken late in the evening, when the House of Representatives or the Senate is sitting but the public galleries are empty.
For those of us 'outsiders' seeking to influence the political agenda it is always an 'away game'. As visitors we are welcome enough, but we have no office, nowhere to gather thoughts privately, and frequently no colleagues with whom to discuss options and ideas. The opportunity to influence a new public policy can be fleeting. It can appear by chance, or follow an arduous and strategic build-up over months or years.
The task always requires allies amongst sitting members, because it is our elected representatives and no-one else who can pass legislation.
CSSA seeks to build such alliances across the whole of the Parliament. It is ironic that as we face this election we seek to build alliances with a Prime Minister who is doubted by some because of her self-confessed atheism, a Leader of the Opposition who is doubted by some for being too close to God and the Church, and the Greens who are doubted by some as being anti-Christian.
In recent years, CSSA has been involved in important issues with each of these groups.
Under the Howard Government, we supported the development of a national network of Family Relationship Centres, established in the community