Media releases Archives - Page 3 of 29

Tasmania takes positive step to keep young children out of detention
- 15 June 2022
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to ensure no child under 14 is held in youth detention, while reiterating that this is just one step toward the ultimate goal to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14.
Emphasis on place-based responses an effective way to prevent crime
- 24 March 2022
The implementation of a range of recommendations to prevent crime through targeted work in disadvantaged communities, as highlighted in the final report of the Inquiry into Victoria’s Criminal Justice System, will ultimately support a more cohesive Victoria with less crime and fewer victims, says Jesuit Social Services.
NT prison lockdown an urgent reminder youth justice reform is needed
- 14 January 2022
Reports that the Alice Springs youth detention facility is in lockdown after four residents tested positive for COVID-19 reveal a deeper youth justice crisis requiring urgent legislative and operational reform, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are deeply concerned about the young people in Alice Springs after media reports that the facility is locked-down due to…
Youth detention reports emphasise need for skilled, supported workforce
- 14 December 2021
Reports of safety concerns for young people and staff alike at Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre have highlighted the need for the youth detention workforce to be well skilled, trained and supported to ensure the system can meet its primary goal of rehabilitation, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are concerned and disappointed by recent media reports…
Time is now for Governments to commit to raise the age
- 8 December 2021
Jesuit Social Services has joined more than 30 health, medical and community services organisations in signing an open letter to state and territory Premiers, Health Ministers and Attorneys-General calling on them to urgently raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to at least 14 years. “The evidence is clear – and has been clear…
Worsening COVID crisis in Victorian prison system needs urgent intervention
- 6 October 2021
The current COVID-19 outbreak within the Victorian prison system, which has spread to five prisons across Melbourne and regional Victoria, requires urgent intervention by the Victorian Government to prevent the crisis from worsening says Jesuit Social Services. “Around the world, and here in Australia, we have seen how quickly COVID-19 can spread within prison systems…
Urgent action required to support vulnerable people in NSW’s prison system
- 1 September 2021
The NSW Government must protect the health and safety of vulnerable people in prison by moving to immediately release some people into the community, as COVID-19 outbreaks in the state’s prisons continue to worsen, says Jesuit Social Services. “Throughout the pandemic, across Australia and beyond, we have been extremely concerned about the potential catastrophic consequences…
Northern Territory’s Aboriginal Justice Agreement will improve outcomes, but further work needed
- 12 August 2021
The Northern Territory Government’s landmark Aboriginal Justice Agreement is a significant step towards improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but must be supported by a consistent approach across the justice system to keep young people out of detention, says Jesuit Social Services. The Aboriginal Justice Agreement has been developed in strong…
NT youth detention settlement an urgent warning that justice reform is needed
- 28 July 2021
A landmark $35 million settlement between the Northern Territory Government and children who were mistreated in its youth detention system is a warning that youth justice reform is urgently needed, says Jesuit Social Services. “Five years ago, the entire nation was horrified by the footage of children being abused, neglected and mistreated in the Northern…
IBAC report highlights need for urgent changes to state’s prison system
- 24 June 2021
A new report by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission has revealed a string of serious systemic issues within the Victorian prison system and must be the catalyst for reform, says Jesuit Social Services. The report investigates allegations of prison staff covering the lens of their body worn cameras while treating prisoners with force, assault against…