Advocacy

Advocating for Catholic School Families

Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) is committed to ensuring the voices of Catholic school families are heard at the highest levels of education policy and practice. A key part of our advocacy is engaging in regular, strategic meetings with national education stakeholders and decision-makers.

These meetings are vital to:

  • Represent the interests and concerns of Catholic school families,

  • Promote equitable access to quality Catholic education for all families,

  • Influence policy and funding decisions that affect Catholic schools and their communities.

CSPA maintains strong and collaborative relationships through ongoing dialogue with the following national bodies:

Federal Minister for Education

We meet regularly with the Federal Minister to provide direct feedback from Catholic school families, raise key issues, and advocate for policies that support choice, equity, and access in education. These conversations ensure that parent perspectives inform national education strategies.

Department of Education

Our engagement with senior representatives from the Department ensures that the lived experiences of Catholic school families are considered in program design, policy development, and government initiatives. We contribute to consultations and working groups to shape national frameworks that impact Catholic schools.

National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC)

As a key partner, CSPA works alongside the NCEC to align our advocacy efforts and amplify the voice of families in national Catholic education matters. Our shared commitment ensures strong representation of Catholic education across all sectors.

Catholic Secondary Principals Australia (CaSPA)

We maintain active communication with CaSPA to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing secondary school leaders. These discussions help us to collectively support school communities and improve outcomes for students and families.

Australian Catholic Primary Principals’ Association (ACPPA)

CSPA works closely with ACPPA to advocate for strong partnerships between schools and families in primary education. Together, we promote initiatives that foster parental engagement and holistic support for children’s learning and wellbeing.

Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA)

Our engagement with ICPA ensures the needs of Catholic school families in rural and remote areas are recognised and addressed. We collaborate to highlight the unique challenges faced by geographically isolated students and advocate for practical solutions, including access to distance education and boarding support.

At CSPA, our advocacy is grounded in the lived experiences of our families. Through these regular engagements, we bring the voice of Catholic school families to the forefront of national education conversations, helping to shape a more inclusive, accessible, and family-centred education system.

A Guide to Building Relationships with your Govt Representatives