From time to time the TCMA formally expresses its views to government, religious and other community organisations. It does so in ways that respect the multi-faith nature of the TCMA and the fact that public comment on issues that are not specifically religious is viewed variously by different religious traditions. Recent examples include submissions to Federal Government and media comment on chaplaincy issues:
In May 2005, the Executive sent a letter to selected Senators and Members of the House of Representatives expressing concern about the "Voluntary Student Unionism" legislation then before the Federal Government. It is unusual for the TCMA to become involved in lobbying politicians. We have done it twice before - once in 2003 regarding the Nelson Report on Higher Education and once in 1999, when 'voluntary student unionism' legislation was last introduced.
In October, 2003, we sent a submission to the senate enquiry into the Nelson Report on Higher Education as well as producing short and extended press releases on this issue. When the legislation eventually passed through the Senate, it was in a much more acceptable form, as is detailed in the AVCC's Higher Education News Legislation Special.
Media interviews have led to the article in
http://www.onlinecatholics.com.au/issue50/index.php
and also to some comment reported in the Sydney Morning Herald 31/05/2005
The TCMA's contacts for all media inquiries are the President and Secretary.