About The Catholic Leader

A number of attempts were made to establish a Catholic newspaper in Brisbane during the mid-19th century resulting in a publication called The Age, the first issue of which appeared on October 1, 1892. While The Age continued its weekly publication for many years, a rival came upon the scene in 1910. This was the Catholic Advocate which eventually grew into the 'No. 1 Catholic journal' with a state-wide circulation. Owned by Hibernian Newspapers Ltd, it reflected the Irish Nationalist sentiments and was even published in a green cover.

It was difficult financial times which brought about the demise of both The Age in 1929 and the Catholic Advocate in 1930. Archbishop Duhig salvaged the former paper and The Catholic Leader rose from the ashes of The Age, the first issue being dated December 5, 1929. At this stage, the price was threepence. The paper was then the official organ of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, circulating throughout Australasia and having correspondents in Rome, Paris, London, Dublin and the United States of America.

The Catholic Leader continues to be published by the Brisbane Archdiocese, circulating weekly throughout Australia, at a cost of $1.50.

With an eye to the future and knowing the importance of staying relevant in a changing world, The Leader meets the challenges of keeping readers informed and aware of what is happening in their Church and their world, earning the reputation as Australia's leading Catholic Newspaper.

This looking to the future has resulted in catholicleader.com.au, an online extension of The Catholic Leader. This site contains sample of the news content available each week in our newspaper edition plus much more.