The Federal Government has cut overseas aid for the sixth successive year. In addition, its rushed Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment Bill 2019 will trap developing Pacific countries into further debt by restructuring much of the aid into loans for projects in the Pacific. Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) stands against this Amendment Bill.

The senseless acts of violence which took place in the two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday 15 March 2019 has sent shock waves through communities around the world.

On behalf of Catholic religious women and men around Australia, I offer my sincere condolences to all those whose relatives and friends lost their lives in this vicious attack.

“Sixty religious institutes and dioceses with the highest number of claims according to Royal Commission data, have demonstrated a high level of commitment to the NRS: they have either been declared as participating institutions, submitted their documentation and are awaiting a Ministerial declaration or are preparing documents for submission,” added Sr Monica.

The Migration Amendment (Urgent Medical Treatment) Bill, proposed by the Member for Wentworth, Dr Kerryn Phelps is being debated in the House of Representatives today 12th February.

Pope Francis has declared the feast of St Josephine Bakhita, which is celebrated each year on 8th February to be the World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking. St Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of victims of slavery and of Sudan. Australians are being urged to work together, through grass roots action and corporate governance, to end slavery around the world.