A fairer and more just society for all

We asked five Christian politicians, former candidates and current contenders to make their pitch: why should you vote for their party this Federal Election? This is Shayne Neumann’s response for Labor. For the other parties, click here.

As Christians, we are called to defend the poor, the weak and the oppressed. To stand up for those who are less fortunate than ourselves – to fulfil the second greatest commandment, to love our neighbours as ourselves.

Micah 6:8 says “what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Isaiah 1:17 teaches us “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” It’s our responsibility to ensure a fair go for all. This concept is at the heart of the Australian Labor Party.

People deserve dignity and respect – just as Jesus showed us with the woman at the well in John Chapter 4. The Bible makes clear it’s the responsibility of the wider community to help others.

Our community should be there not to just help people during challenging times – we should be compelled to work towards a fairer and more just society for everyone at all times. You see this in Acts Chapter 2, which says “they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”

The idea of community is one of the many reasons my wife Carolyn and I attend our local Baptist church. I believe society needs a strong safety net which only Labor can deliver for all Australians.

Finally, as Christians, we are called to have stewardship of, and care for, this planet. We must meet the challenges of climate change – something only Labor will deliver.

This is why Labor has committed to reverse the Liberals’ cuts to hospitals by investing an extra $2.8 billion in hospitals.

We will deliver an extra $14 billion for public schools over the next decade, with $3.3 billion extra flowing in the first three school years alone. We can afford these commitments because we’ve made tough decisions to make multinationals pay their fair share.

More and more everyday Australians are experiencing rising inequality – regardless of who they are or where they’ve come from.

You know the cost of everything is going up in Australia except your wages and a Shorten Labor government wants to fix this to address inequality – this injustice.

We have committed to reversing the Liberals’ cuts to penalty rates, boosting wages for workers and ensuring that the minimum wage is a living wage.

Labor believes in a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work. Christians know we have a responsibility to address inequality in our country and around the globe. As the Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, I believe Australians understand our nation can be strong on borders and still treat people humanely. This is why Labor supported the Medevac Bill – to ensure sick and vulnerable people currently on Manus and Nauru can get the medical help they need when doctors recommend it – and we’ll accept New Zealand’s offer to resettle eligible refugees who have languished in indefinite detention.

Finally, as Christians, we are called to have stewardship of, and care for, this planet. We must meet the challenges of climate change – something only Labor will deliver.

God is not a card-carrying member of any political party. It is not my place to tell you who to vote for, but I am thankful for the opportunity to share why you might vote for Labor. I have met some Christians who dismiss the idea of voting for Labor. You may have always voted for another party, or some issues may be a sticking point.

You won’t find perfection in any human institution – you may not agree with all of our policies and we may fall short or disappoint you. But our intentions are true and our heart is with those who need our support, care, and love.

Much as faith, hope, and love are at the core of our being as Christians, Labor’s guiding principles are behind every decision I and my colleagues make as members of the Labor Party.

Social justice, equality of opportunity and a fair go for all.

Shayne Neumann is the federal member for Blair and Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection.