"The Cost of Our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good".  A Social Justice Statement from the Australian Catholic Bishops (9 February 2026). 

Courage and tenderness  is required to address the nation’s cost-of-living crisis say Australia's Catholic Bishops. .

“Across Australia, many of our sisters and brothers are burdened by the rising cost of life’s necessities,” writes Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, in the preface to the statement.

“For some, this means skipping meals, delaying medical care or living without secure housing.

“These are not just economic statistics - they are human stories of struggle and resilience.

“As disciples of Jesus, we cannot turn away from these realities. The Gospel calls us to see Christ in those who suffer and to walk alongside them with compassion.
“This statement is an invitation to listen and to act.”

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.”

Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service chair, Bishop Tim Harris, said: “All of us can - and should - help to build a stronger, compassionate, more resilient and fairer country.”

Download the Statement from the ACBC website (catholic.au).

Listen to an audio version of the statement at: ACBC Radio Reads  I  Podcast on Spotify 

About Social Justice Statements 

Every year since 1940, the Australian Catholic Bishops have released an annual statement on a key social justice issue relevant to all Australians. These annual statments are released in the lead-up to Social Justice Sunday (30 August) to support reflection, discussion and action. 

This year, the Australian Catholic Bishops are releasing two Social Justice Statements; the first in February and the second in August, ahead of Social Justice Sunday.