Joint Statement: 2025 Federal Election

Joint Statement

Uniting Church Assembly, UnitingCare Australia, UnitingWorld and Frontier Services

Welcoming the announcement of the 2025 Federal Election and launching Our Vision for a Just Australia

As Australians prepare to head to the federal polls in the coming months, national leaders of the Uniting Church in Australia have joined together to call on voters and decision makers to reflect on the values that shape our communities.

“Elections are vital moments in the life of our nation, an opportunity to advocate for just policies that promote the flourishing of all people,” said Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia.

“For decades the Uniting Church has been a Christian voice for a compassionate, inclusive and courageous society. We long to see a nation built not on division, but on compassion; not on power, but on service to the common good.”

“Standing in this tradition and in the tradition of Jesus Christ, friend of the marginalised, this election campaign we will raise our voice to see fairness, dignity and care for the most vulnerable at the heart of our nation’s priorities.”

UnitingCare Australia National Director Claerwen Little said that Australians are facing an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, with financial pressures leaving many households unable to meet basic needs.

“The current crisis calls for bold leadership and compassionate policies that prioritise fairness and reflect the type of society we want to be. This election we’re calling for political leaders to ensure every Australian can access a strong safety net in times of need, and be adequately supported by vital front line community services.

“This much needed investment is not just about addressing today’s crisis—it’s about building a fairer, stronger Australia for tomorrow,” said Ms Little.

“As powerful nations retreat from the global fight against poverty and climate change, Australia is at a crossroads,” said Dr Sureka Goringe, National Director of UnitingWorld. “This election, we must decide whether we will follow a path of cynicism and self-interest, or continue striving to act as a compassionate, collaborative global partner in our world.”

Australia currently allocates only 0.68% of its budget to sustainable development projects overseas, which save lives, build peace and help communities thrive.

"These programs are lifelines," Dr Goringe continued. "They do more than just pull people out of poverty and hunger; they foster long-term stability and create lasting partnerships that benefit us all. We have a critical role to play in addressing poverty, climate change and injustice—both here and abroad."

“This election is a chance to vote for a nation that sees beyond itself. We can choose a future where we work together with our neighbours to tackle the shared challenges of our world."

Frontier Services, a longstanding advocate for the needs of people in rural and remote Australia, emphasises the importance of ensuring smaller communities in isolated areas are not left behind.  

"Too often, people in our rural and remote communities feel forgotten in national conversations, said National Director Rob Floyd. “This election is an opportunity to ensure their voices are heard, their challenges recognised, and their communities supported with fairness and dignity.”

“In a time of deep division and uncertainty, the need for compassionate, informed participation has never been greater,” said President Rev Suli. “We urge all people of faith and goodwill to engage in this election wholeheartedly with courage and conscience, and to reject apathy and cynicism. Choose hope over despair.”

“We call on our leaders to conduct a campaign grounded in respect, integrity, and a genuine exchange of ideas—one that seeks not to divide, but to inspire, and that places the needs of all Australians above political gain.”

“Now, more than ever, we are called to be not just good citizens, but custodians of democracy—guardians of a vision where none are left behind.”

In anticipation of the federal election, the Uniting Church Assembly has launched Our Vision for a Just Australia, a resource that outlines a vision for a fairer Australia. Our Vision is available for individuals, churches, and community groups to use as a guide in discussions and advocacy leading up to the election.

For more information and to access the resource, visit here.

Download the media release