In August, just weeks after a new Parliament was sworn in, 48 women leaders travelled to Canberra for the seventh annual Micah Women’s Network Delegation.
We came from every corner of the country, representing 13 denominations and many different cultural backgrounds. Together we carried one message: Australia should continue to stand with the world’s most vulnerable as other nations retreat. A generous and effective aid program saves lives, prevents crises from spiralling into catastrophes, and reflects the best of who we are as a nation.
Here are seven highlights from our time in Canberra:
1. Gathering 48 Women Leaders from across the nation – our largest and most diverse delegation yet
This year, we were privileged to host 48 leaders representing 13 different church denominations, including Lutheran, Anglican, Uniting, The Salvation Army, Church of Christ, Australian Christian Churches, Catholic, Baptist and more.
More than 30 were first-time delegates, bringing fresh energy and new voices. Many carried lived connections to places where Australian Aid is making a difference, or where humanitarian crises are unfolding.
- 🇲🇲 Mi Kai Share, a Kachin woman now living in Melbourne, shared her family’s experience of conflict in Myanmar.
- 🇵🇸 Suzan Wahhab, President of Palestinian Christians in Australia, spoke about Gaza and the struggles of some of the world’s most ancient churches.
This breadth of voices reflected the richness of the Australian Church and reminded MPs that aid is not abstract. It is about families and communities we know and love.
2. Recognising Women’s Leadership in Advocacy
A defining moment was our full delegation meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Minister for International Development Anne Aly.
- Minister Wong spoke about Australia’s role at a time of global instability, affirming our voices and Micah’s work calling for a generous aid program as mattering now more than ever.
- Minister Aly personally greeted every delegate, showing her commitment to hearing women of faith in public life.
Both Ministers acknowledged that aid is more than charity. It is a life-saving commitment, a stabilising force in our region, and a reflection of our values as a generous nation.
3. Strong Support from Labor MPs
Beyond the Ministers, we met with a wide group of Labor MPs and Senators, including many who had only just entered Parliament.
They affirmed our case for restoring and protecting Australian Aid – recognising that it supports neighbours in need, prevents crises from escalating, and helps create a safer world for all.
It was encouraging to see that champions for aid remain strong across the Labor caucus.
4. Finding Traction with the Opposition
Coalition MPs welcomed us for robust and constructive discussions on the Modern Case for Aid.
At our roundtable, Shadow Minister Jason Wood engaged deeply on the role of churches in mobilising support for aid. He later spoke in Parliament, affirming our advocacy and backing our call for a Myanmar Emergency Package.
We also appreciated the thoughtful engagement of newer MPs like Leon Rebello and Jess Collins, alongside ongoing support from leaders such as Michael McCormack, who worked closely with us in the last term as Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific.
These conversations showed that aid is strongest when it has bipartisan support – and momentum for that support is growing.
5. Connecting with Crossbench Allies
We also met with Teal Independents and Greens Senator David Shoebridge, long-time allies of the Safer World for All campaign.
Together, we explored how to keep building momentum for a more generous aid program this term, including urgent action for Myanmar.
Crossbench leaders continue to add their weight to the cause of compassion, justice and a safer world.
6. Spotlight on the Pacific 🌏
With several Pasifika women in our delegation, our meetings with Minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy and Assistant Minister Nita Green centred on the importance of aid in our region.
- We raised concerns about the growing HIV/AIDS crisis in the Pacific.
- We affirmed the crucial role of Pacific churches in development and humanitarian response.
- Rose Parker, our PAELN Coordinator, shared plans for the 4th Pacific Australian Emerging Leaders Summit in November.
We also thanked Minister Conroy for his strong partnership with Micah and PAELN over the last Parliamentary term. These conversations made clear that Australia’s leadership is strongest when it walks alongside our Pacific family.
7. The Bigger Picture
In just three days, 48 women of faith engaged with 40 MPs and Senators across the political spectrum, including many newly elected.
We left Canberra encouraged. MPs recognised that:
- Australian Aid is a smart investment that prevents crises before they escalate.
- It is a stabilising force that strengthens our partnerships and builds resilient neighbours.
- Most importantly, it is a life-saving commitment that reflects the best of who we are.
At the heart of our advocacy is faith. We came compelled by Jesus’ call to love our neighbours and to seek justice for the vulnerable. And we left with renewed hope that together we can help build a safer, fairer world for all.
👉 To learn more about joining the Micah Women’s Network click here.
👉 To raise your voice for a generous Australian Aid program, sign the petition: https://churchpetition.saferworld.org.au