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‘Responsible’ Federal Budget 2024/25 provides some cost-of-living relief
Last night’s Federal Budget 2024/25 makes some modest investments to help marginalised people and communities, and provides some temporary cost-of-living relief for Australian households. However, by failing to make significant increases to the Jobseeker and related income support payments, too many Australians are again limited from living with dignity
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Government backflip on bail reform risks entrenching teens in justice system
The Victorian Government’s backflip on promised bail reform and the announced plan to trial electronic monitoring for young people on bail do not support the evidence of what works in reducing re-offending, and will only further entrench marginalised young people in the criminal justice system.
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New extreme heat research shows disadvantaged communities experience climate impacts the worst
New research by ACOSS into the impact of extreme heat is an important addition to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the disproportionate effect extreme climate conditions have on people experiencing disadvantage, we said in our media release.
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Early intervention critical in addressing drivers of youth crime
New data published by the Crime Statistics Agency, showing that the number of crimes committed in Victoria by children aged 10 to 17 has increased by more than 30 per cent over the past year, is an important reminder that more intensive intervention services are needed to address the drivers of crime says Jesuit Social Services.
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Action to address climate change and health must include a focus on place-based approaches
With COP28 expected to raise the profile of the relationship between climate change and health, our leaders must ensure a commitment to the integration of health equity and social justice into climate change policy and finance, through strong supports for community-led approaches.
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No referendum result a sombre outcome for all
Jesuit Social Services says the No result of yesterday’s Voice to Parliament referendum is a disappointing outcome that hinders progress towards self-determination and reconciliation, and urges continued solidarity with First Nations communities.
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New report highlights just how deep Australia’s wealth divide goes
The latest report from ACOSS and the UNSW's Poverty and Inequality Partnership - of which Jesuit Social Services is a member – finds that the gap between those with the most and those with the least in Australia has blown out over the past two decades, highlighting the role of income support payments, housing, taxation and superannuation policy in the growing divide.
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Bail reform a welcome step in the right direction
The Victorian Government’s introduction of laws to reform the state’s bail system is a welcome step towards ensuring the criminal justice system keeps people who pose no risk to the community away from the harms of the prison system and supports them to reset their lives in community.
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NT’s raising the age to 12 a positive step, but more progress needed
As the Northern Territory prepares to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years, the Territory Government must now look at the evidence of what works and raise the age to 14, with no exceptions, as soon as possible.