The Cost of our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good

In a departure from usual practice, Australia's Catholic bishops have recently released the first of two Social Justice Statements for 2026.

Entitled The Cost of our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good, the February statement addresses Australia's cost-of-living crisis. The statement sets out key facts and figures about the crisis, points to Catholic social teaching as a means of addressing it, and outlines a list of actions largely focused on local communities.

"In a wealthy country like Australia, it seems inconceivable that there should be so much hardship," the statement reads. "Many of us cannot see a way out of the cost-of-living crisis. This must change. Australia needs to learn to hope again."

The Statement is attached to this post, and can also be downloaded from the 'Resources' page of the website.

The second Social Justice Statement will be released in August ahead of Social Justice Sunday (30 August).