Our Principles
What drives us
Justice, dignity and hope for humanity and all of God’s creation.
Photo Credit: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia
Our work is shaped by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching
Learn more about CST
Our programs are all implemented with the belief that every human being has inherent dignity, and that people's dignity and freedom should never be compromised.
Every person should have access to the goods and resources of society so that they can have fulfilling lives. Through our locally-led approach, we work together to improve the wellbeing of people in our society and the wider world.
All people have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Community led decision making is a core part of our program approach, as we believe that the people who are most affected by decisions should be the people making them.
Our programs serve everyone, regardless of their national, religious, political or ideological differences. Everyone belongs to one human family.
Preferential care should be shown to poor and vulnerable people. We work to ensure that support reaches the most vulnerable people in a variety of contexts. Often these people include children, the elderly, women, and people living with disabilities.
Everyone capable should be able to provide for themselves and their family. Many of our programs focus on providing access to skills training and education, which lead to vulnerable people improving their economic conditions or diversifying incomes.
Many of our programs work with local communities to adapt to the challenges presented by climate change such as extended droughts and changes in soil salinity. Through our Laudato Si' action plan and Catholic Earthcare Australia, we work with communities in Australia to take action in caring for the environment.
Peace is more than just the absence of war. It is a positive movement towards equality between all people, regardless of differences. Our approach empowers communities to work together and challenges the systemic basis of the cycle of poverty.
Our Values
Our Values are at the heart of everything we do. They're what keep us accountable and on the right track to a better world where all people can live out their full potential.
Courage
At Caritas Australia, we’re not afraid to take bold steps when it comes to standing up for what's right. Sometimes that means asking hard questions about the way the world works, or doesn’t work, for those who are most vulnerable.
We speak up when others stay silent, and we walk alongside people whose voices are too often left out. Whether it's pushing back against injustice or shining a light on issues that go unnoticed, we stay committed to a simple idea: everyone has inherent dignity, no matter their circumstances.
This is demonstrated clearly by our long-term work in places like Gaza, where our partners have been operating for decades. We were there before the latest crisis, we are there during this crisis, and we will be there in the future.
A Caritas worker walks through the destruction in Gaza. Photo: Caritas Jerusalem
Caritas Australia staff with First Australian Partners. Photo Credit, Caritas Australia.
Partnership
We believe real change happens when people come together. That’s why partnership is at the heart of everything we do. Our work is built on trust, respect, and walking side-by-side with local communities, listening first, and acting together.
We don’t come in with all the answers. Instead, we back the strengths and solutions already within communities. We’re here to support, not to control. Because when people are given the tools and opportunities to thrive, amazing things can happen.
We currently support six First Australians partners with a variety of programs around Australia. These programs are all led by our partners, who know best what their communities need.
Stewardship
We know we have a big responsibility to our supporters, to the communities we serve, and to the planet we all share. Every dollar donated comes with a story, a sacrifice, a hope for a better future. We don’t take that lightly.
That’s why we work hard to make thoughtful, honest decisions and to use our resources carefully. Stewardship isn’t just about money, it’s about caring for people, places, and the future of our shared world.
Caritas Australia is accredited by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and we are members of the Australian Council for International Development, ensuring responsible governance of funds at the highest level.
Sakhina with her daughter Noor and Rehena from Caritas Bangladesh. Photo: Caritas Bangladesh
Caritas Ukraine Staff Sorting Urgent Aid Distributions In Ternopil. Photo Caritas Ukraine
Compassion
For us, compassion is more than just a feeling, it’s a call to action. When we see people facing poverty or injustice, we listen with empathy and respond with purpose. We work closely with our partners to figure out the most meaningful and sustainable ways to make a difference.
Compassion is what drives our long-term commitment, it keeps us grounded and reminds us why we do this work in the first place: to stand with others in love, dignity, and hope.
Survivors of the Kinchela Boys Home. Photo credit: Caritas Australia
Our vision for Reconciliation
We will be learning from each other and stumbling along together, with the intention of continually growing. Reconciliation involves change. Change within each of us, and change in the wider world. It may not always be comfortable but it’s important work to do.
We will hold ourselves accountable by seeking feedback from First Australian partners. Caritas Australia believes that a Reconciliation Action Plan provides an opportunity for all members of our community to consider ways in which we, together, can heal the wounds of the past and foster a shared future filled with hope.
Many communities in the Pacific are vulnerable to climate change. Credit: Photo: Neil Nuia/Caritas
Our Laudato Si' Action Plan
Caritas Australia has launched a Laudato Si’ Action Plan in response to the Pope’s Laudato Si' encyclical issued in May 2015.
In simple terms, the Pope’s message illustrates an urgent and imperative need to address the ecological crisis facing the planet. At the heart of Caritas Australia’s action plan lies a comprehensive approach to advocacy, community engagement, and ecological education. Crafted under the guidance of Caritas Australia’s Climate Community of Practice, the plan sets forth a roadmap for fostering sustainability at all levels within the organisation.
Monoranjon and Anita live in a coastal region in Bangladesh that is affected by climate change. Photo: Caritas Australia
Our Annual Reports
Thanks to your generosity, Caritas Australia supported approximately 1 million direct participants across 36 countries during 2023-2024.
Read our Annual Report to see the impact that we have made, together.
Memory at her technical college near the city of Blantyre where she completed a course in carpentry in Malawi. Photo: Tim Lam/Caritas Australia
Catholic Social Teaching Toolkit
Catholic Social Teaching guides the way we work. Find out more about CST and how it can be applied.
Project Compassion
Project Compassion is our annual Lenten fundraiser and awareness appeal. Annually, 1,700 schools and 1,200 parishes across Australia take part, with Caritas Australia calling on the community to Unite Against Poverty for Project Compassion in 2025.
Our magazine
Hear the latest news and stories from our work overseas and in parishes and schools in Australia in our biannual magazine, Your Compassion in Action (Caritas News).
