Leaders of Church organisations in education, health and welfare have congratulated newly-elected Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and reacted positively to policy directions signalled by the Federal Labor Government.
Catholic Health Australia chief executive officer Francis Sullivan has called the new government’s approach to health issues “a breath of fresh air” while Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Frank Quinlan has hailed the ALP’s social inclusion agenda.
Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) executive director Mike Byrne has also commended Mr Rudd and the Labor Party for their commitment to equitable funding and support for all schools – government, Catholic and independent.
Meanwhile, Centacare Brisbane’s executive director Peter Selwood said the organisation will be discussing problems in relation to employment services with the new government.
And Brisbane’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) has welcomed Mr Rudd’s commitment to be a “Prime Minister for Indigenous Australians”.
Mr Sullivan said he believed Australia was about to enter a defining moment in the history of health management.
“This is particularly the case with the proposed changes in financial arrangements where the commonwealth will take over full responsibility for funding of the health system,” he said.
Mr Quinlan said from the perspective of Catholic Social Services Australia, the big difference between the outgoing and incoming governments was the ALP’s focus on social inclusion.
“The social inclusion agenda is a commitment to breaking the cycle of disadvantage in Australia,” he said.
“For example, the commitment to provide access to universal preschool education for all four-year-old children is a very positive step.”
Mr Byrne said the QCEC looked forward to building a strong working partnership with the Federal Labour Government.
“I commend Mr Rudd and the Labor Party for their commitment to equitable funding and support for all schools as they strive to deliver quality educational outcomes for students,” he said.
Mr Selwood said Centacare Brisbane, which provides employment assistance to more than 8000 people each year, was hopeful of discussions with the new government on problems with employment services.
Brisbane archdiocese’s CJPC executive officer Peter Arndt said it was heartening that both the former Coalition Government and the new Labor Government had placed a high priority on addressing indigenous poverty and disadvantage.
