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It’s time for all men to take responsibility to prevent sexual harassment, abuse and violence
It is time for all men – young and old – to take responsibility for preventing the sexual harassment, abuse and violence that we know is endemic in our society. We are facing a national reckoning. Men’s violence and sexual degradation of women must stop. We know that around 95% of all victims of violence,…
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NT youth justice reforms a significant backwards step
The Northern Territory Government’s announcement of a number of legislative changes in relation to the youth justice system are counter-productive, will funnel more children into the detention system, and will not improve community safety, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are very concerned about the measures announced by the Territory Government, including changes to the Bail…
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Youth coalition supports Spent Convictions Scheme
We the undersigned member agencies of Smart Justice for Young People, come together to express our collective support for the scheme proposed in the Spent Convictions Bill. Smart Justice for Young People – a coalition of over 50 social services, health, legal, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, youth advocacy organisations and academic experts – has…
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Royal Commission report a roadmap for a mental health system for all
The landmark final report and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System provides an opportunity to rebuild the system to work for all Victorians, says Jesuit Social Services. “The Royal Commission has identified that Victoria’s mental health system has been failing for decades, and that systemic gaps have been highlighted by the…
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Understanding of stereotypical masculine norms can help drive cultural change
A better understanding of the impact of stereotypical masculine norms on the attitudes and behaviours of young men is critical in improving relationships and wellbeing in our community, says Jesuit Social Services. “Everybody has the right to be safe, and it is deeply distressing to hear about claims of sexual misconduct and assault and the…
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$50 a fortnight JobSeeker raise will not support dignified lives
The Federal Government’s confirmation of a $50 per fortnight increase to the JobSeeker payment – once the current Coronavirus Supplement ends in March – is a decision that lacks empathy and will continue to condemn many Australians to poverty, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are extremely disappointed that, although the COVID-19 pandemic has made it…
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Federal Government must #RaiseTheRate to avoid returning people to poverty
Jesuit Social Services has urged political leaders to commit to a permanent raising of the Jobseeker rate ahead of an expected announcement from the Federal Government later this month. Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards says a permanent rise is needed to avoid vulnerable Australians returning to poverty. “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all Australians,…
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Banning of conversion therapy a step towards ending gender-based discrimination
The passing of the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020 (Victoria), without amendment, will better support the dignity of each person and their right to be and express who they are, says Jesuit Social Services. “This law will make a meaningful difference to the lives of many, and ultimately work towards a more…
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New report highlights importance of Indigenous-led solutions to improve outcomes
A new Productivity Commission report measuring the wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people demonstrates that Indigenous communities and organisations must be central to designing and implementing solutions to ultimately help people thrive, says Jesuit Social Services. “The Productivity Commission’s report into Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage shows us that too many Aboriginal and Torres…
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Victorian Budget 2020/21 creates a stronger, more cohesive state
The Victorian Government’s 2020/21 Budget, handed down today, provides unprecedented funding to vital social services and supports to help all Victorians to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, says Jesuit Social Services. “Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said today that COVID-19 has shone a bright light on some of the dark cracks in our society,…