2026 RESOURCES FOR THE VICTORIAN STATE ELECTION
In the weeks ahead, Victorians will be invited to cast a vote in the Victorian elections. The Church doesn’t tell people how to vote. But the Christian Scriptures do ask how we discern. Christians are invited to ask a different question from, “What’s best for me?” Rather, we ask, “What serves the common good? Who is protected? Who is left behind? Does this enlarge love of neighbour?” As followers of Jesus, our relationship with God reframes our relationship with our neighbours, especially with the most vulnerable of this world, and even with our enemies. But we don’t always hear that in public discourse, and sometimes not even from the churches.
Prayer for the upcoming election
As we draw near to the Victorian state election it is right that we pray for this parliament and those who will stand for election to the next. It is also good for us to pray for the church us as we seek to be a people who both yearn for God’s kingdom to be ‘now as it is in heaven,’ and have the opportunity to bring calm, gracious confidence which is founded on God’s care for us into public life.
Most gracious God, ruler of the nations,
we pray for the Parliament of Victoria,
Especially as we approach the end of its term.
As thoughts turn to campaigning, votes and an election direct their work and influence their decisions
to the advancement of your glory,
and the safety and welfare of this country,
so that peace and happiness, truth and justice,
may be established among us.
Spirit of justice and truth,
grant to all who wish to represent others in parliament, lead in government and all who serve in public life,
wisdom and skill, imagination and energy;
protect them from corruption
and the temptation of self-serving.
Help us to commit ourselves to the common good;
Weighing our thoughts, words and deeds
for the benefit of public life.
May our trust in you bear fruit in gracious speech and wise conversation so that our land may be a secure home for all its peoples,
through Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace. Amen.
(Source: Bishop Matt Brain)
The following resources may be helpful for an informed vote for the common good. They will be added to in the lead up to the election in November.
The Cost of our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good
The first 2026 Social Justice Statement released by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
The statement is an invitation to listen to human stories of struggle and resilience and support those in need
Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division
The second 2026 Social Justice Statement released by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
Earlier Support for Stronger Families
Election Platform from Uniting Vic/Tas
A Victoria for All of Us
(Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria)
Practical actions to tackle racism and hate, strengthen multicultural organisations, improve access to services and build belonging.
VCOSS Election Platform
(Victorian Council of Social Services)
Melbourne City Mission Election Platform
Elections: Words, prayers and music resources
ARCHIVE – 2022 RESOURCES
Election 2022 Guide the ABC great tool
Uniting Church in Australia – A vision for a just Australia: Federal election resource 2022
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference – Bishops call for ‘a better kind of politics’
Salvation Army, Social Justice Stocktake (May 2022)
Scarring effects of the pandemic economy: COVID-19’s ongoing impact on jobs, insecurity and social services in Victoria ( a report produced in April 2022 by the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in partnership with Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) and St Mary’s House of Welcome outlining COVID-19’s ongoing impact of jobs, insecurity and social services in Victoria).
Church Leaders ask political leaders to ‘take powerful action’ on climate change (Church Leaders Easter statement on the environment)
Uniting Vic/Tas – an opportunity to build a fairer, more equitable Australia for all
Church Leaders Easter Message on the Environment here.
Bishop Philip Huggins, Director, Centre for Ecumenical Studies, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture on climate change and the Federal Election.
A Public Affairs Commission discussion paper on Climate Change 2021 by the Rev’d Dr Evan Pederick (Anglican).
A series by Anglican Bishop, The Rt Rev Dr Peter Stuart
Issue 1: ‘We need a proper commitment to aged and disability care‘; ’Issue 2: ‘We need balanced legislation to protect freedom of religion‘;
Issue 3: Affordable Housing;
Issue 4: Integrity in Government
Election 2022: Roadmap for Reconciliation (Reconciliation Australia)