Jesuit Social Services congratulates the Coalition on its re-election, and says the returning Federal Government must ensure its policies give all Australians, including those on the margins of society, a chance to flourish.
“Prime Minister Morrison talks about Australians ‘getting a go’ and this is needed more now than ever. More than three million Australians are living in poverty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to face poorer outcomes than non-Indigenous people and many people seeking asylum are facing destitution in the community as a result of funding cuts to the Status Resolution Support Service,” says Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards.
“An Australia where everybody gets a go is one where policies are designed to lift people up, not bring them down – and it is the responsibility of our elected Government to realise this vision.”
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the Federal Government’s 2019-20 Budget commitments into a youth mental health and suicide prevention strategy, funding for remote housing in the Northern Territory, more than $300 million into family violence, and $528 million for a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability.
“These investments are welcome, and a positive step towards supporting those most in need. We will continue to advocate for evidence-based policies and investments in support of the type of society we want.”
Jesuit Social Services outlined key priorities across a range of interconnected social policy areas in its Federal Election Platform A more compassionate Australia.
Key recommendations include:
“We look forward to working with the Federal Government to ensure every Australian and every community has the chance to thrive.”
Media enquiries – Kathryn Kernohan, 0409 901 248 or kathryn.kernohan@jss.org.au
