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:
- Developing and committing to a National Youth Justice Strategy
- Raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years in all states and territories
- Raising the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance by a minimum $75 per week
- Increasing public and community housing stock by 500,000
- Ending offshore detention and abolishing temporary protection visas
“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
