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PolMin ceases its lobbying work
The Social Advocacy organisation, PolMin (Australian Political Ministry), in late September decided to cease operation. PolMin was founded eight years ago by a number of Catholic religious orders to develop Catholic social thinking and engage more directly in debating public policy and lobbying politicians.
The chair of PolMin, Wagga Presentation Sister Anne Lane, advised friends and supporters that on 25 September the Board of Polmin meeting in Sydney decided to close the organisation. Sr Anne wrote that the "changing political climate" and lack of sufficient finance had regretfully led to the decision.
She acknowledged the vigorous involvement of PolMin in raising public awareness on critical issues and its important contributions to legislative changes in some areas, particularly around water, refugees, WorkChoices, human rights and the Millennium Development Goals."While sad at the closure of what has been an important organisation... we know much has been done."
Sr Anne thanked in particular the executive officer Tanja Kovac "who brought energy, imagination and an extraordinary capacity to get to the heart of the issues." Attached to Sr Anne's letter was a listing of the achievements of PolMin over the last years. Click here. See also PolMin's website at www.polmin.com.au.
Social Policy Connections greatly regrets the demise of PolMin, with which SPC hoped to develop a special collaborative relationship. PolMin was a bold initiative by the religious orders supporting it, and attracted some very talented people as collaborators and workers. Tanja herself demonstrated admirable drive and capability in her lobbying work. SPC will offer some reflections on the significance of PolMin in our October newsletter.
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