In Australia we are part way through a Federal Election campaign. So far, the population at large seems to be fairly underwhelmed with what’s on offer from the various parties. I understand this apathy, but I worry sometimes about this disengagement from the political process, because I wonder where it will lead us, and especially what it will mean for the most vulnerable people in our society.

The Australian Bishops have decided to dip their toe into the campaign, not in a party-political way, but by calling for the voices of the “thrown away people” to be heard.