Your Vote Matters: Issues to consider in the NSW State Election

Now more than ever, there is a need for Catholics to participate in public life. As pressures on families and individuals increase, our vote in the NSW State Election on the 28th March 2015 will be vital to moving towards a more just society, where the dignity of the human person is upheld and people are able to flourish.

 Your vote is your decision. There will be issues you might believe should be prioritised by the next government. This guide aims to encourage Catholic voters to internationally consider their candidates and their proposals. We recognised that there are a range of issues which need to be addressed. However, we have chosen to highlight the following:

 1. Housing Crisis

There are many families and individuals who are currently experiencing financial struggles which force them to rely on services. Our government should implement policies which allow people to progress and flourish. The dignity of the human person is upheld when people are able to live in stability. Safe, adequate and affordable housing is needed to alleviate the challenges preventing families and individual from buying a home, particularly those who are homeless.

Do your candidates understand your pressures relating to housing and do your candidates have a plan to alleviate housing stress for families and individuals?

 2. Supporting Marriage and Family Life

The building block of any society is the family. A Christian marriage that’s loving, faithful and fruitful bears witness to God’s love for humanity. The family is where children receive nurture and care to develop. Society needs to support the families in order to ensure safe environments which allow children to grow. A commitment to creating policy which supports families in all aspects of family life in Sydney should be considered when we vote.

Are your candidates committed to supporting family life?

 3. Access to Education

The government should ensure that educational pathways are accessible for all people in order to develop their God-given talents to contribute to society. Education is fundamental to the future of any society because it leads to work.

Do your candidates support an education system where education is accessible for all including the vulnerable communities in our city?

4. Providing quality health care

It is essential that our government protects the dignity of the human person from conception to death. Our health care system should have the resources needed to provide quality health care which does not compromise the individual and their right to live a full and meaningful life. This includes areas in aged care, patient care in hospitals, emergency and home care.

Do your candidates prioritise the need to invest in developing and creating a quality health care system?

 5. Strengthening our Communities

There are organisations in our society which work directly with the vulnerable individuals. They provide the voice and assistance which many rely upon. Strengthening communities is only possible with engaged citizens especially those who volunteer their time and talents to participate in outreach programs.

Do your candidates recognise the need for on-going support of service organisations providing care to the marginalised in our communities?