As a Research and Project Officer, Ruth is involved in establishing and supporting parish social justice groups to engage in charitable works and advocacy for vulnerable people in accordance with the social teachings of the Catholic Church. Among other advocacy initiatives Ruth has researched and drafted a several submissions to various state and federal government inquiries. She was also instrumental in organising the Sydney Street Feast as a response to Pope Francis’ call to celebrate an annual World Day of the Poor.

Before joining the Justice and Peace Office, Ruth developed a strong research background when verifying and editing updates to The Laws of Australia encyclopaedia and legal journals. She worked and volunteered on human rights projects in New Zealand (on the rights of persons with disabilities) and India (on the right to food).

Ruth has a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts (History) double degree  from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand and spent a year completing the Emmanuel School of Mission Programme in Rome, Italy. Ruth has also recently completed a Master of Liberal Arts (Theology) at the University of Notre Dame Australia. Her thesis focussed on the importance of integrating social justice issues and bioethical issues like Pope Benedict XVI called us to do in Caritas in Veritate.