Jesuit Social Services congratulates the Albanese Government on its re-election, and says the Federal Government has a significant opportunity to commit to bold policies and investments that give all Australians, particularly children, young people and those on the margins, an opportunity to flourish.
“The result of the weekend’s Federal Election makes it clear that millions of Australians have voted in favour of fundamental and foundational supports that benefit us all, such as enhanced health and mental health care, education and action on climate change,“ says Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards.
“We were pleased to see the Prime Minister, in his victory speech on Saturday night, emphasise ‘fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all’ and ‘the strength to show courage in adversity and kindness to those in need’. These are values that Jesuit Social Services has long advocated for, and we look forward to working with the Federal Government in support of a country where every single person is supported to lead fulfilling and productive lives.”
Jesuit Social Services’ Federal Election platform called on the country’s leaders to deliver research, strategies and programs that support children, young people and their families to lead safe and healthy lives.
“We know that childhood trauma underpins many of the significant issues facing Australia at the moment, such as family violence, crime and mental health. If we want to create a society where everyone can thrive, we need to do much more to support all Australians – but particularly children and young people – to live life free from trauma caused by abuse, family violence, justice system involvement, place-based disadvantage and the impacts of climate change,” says Ms Edwards.
The election platform included 17 recommendations relating to youth justice, family violence, child sexual abuse prevention, education, training and employment, mental health, housing, settlement, disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination.
Key recommendations include developing and funding new, responsive and flexible employment initiatives focused on highly disadvantaged jobseekers, investing in the collection of more and better data on the extent of perpetration of family violence and child sexual abuse and its dynamics and drivers, and providing funding to state and territory governments for targeted, specialised and holistic programs of housing and support for people with multiple and complex needs.
“This Government has been elected to continue working towards a stronger, fairer Australia where everyone can reach their potential, and we hope that there is much positive progress towards this vision over the next three years.”
Media enquiries – Kathryn Kernohan, 0409 901 248 or kathryn.kernohan@jss.org.au
