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Temporary Budget measures come at expense of plans to tackle rising inequality
The Federal Budget 2022-23, handed down last night, contains a range of spending measures to provide temporary relief around the current cost of living pressures being experienced by millions of Australians, but is ultimately a missed opportunity to make a sustainable difference to issues such as inequality, affordable housing and climate change, says Jesuit Social…
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Emphasis on place-based responses an effective way to prevent crime
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.
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Expanded access to skills and training will support cohesive communities
The Victorian Government’s expansion of a program that provides free and subsidised skills and training services to refugees and people seeking asylum will ensure more people can make a positive contribution to the community and reach their potential, says Jesuit Social Services. “Access to skills and training, and in turn employment, are critical for all…
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Prevention and education critical in ending violence against women
The implementation of adequately funded prevention and education services are vital in fostering safe and respectful relationships, and ultimately working towards the goal of ending violence against women, says Jesuit Social Services. “We applaud the strength and courage of 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, who today delivered powerful addresses to…
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Vulnerable people need urgent support to navigate Omicron crisis
The ongoing Omicron crisis, which has seen tens of thousands of new COVID-19 cases each day, severe shortages of rapid antigen tests and low-income areas lagging in booster vaccination rates, must serve as an urgent reminder that new and equitable approaches are needed to support vulnerable people and communities through this challenging period, says Jesuit…
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Australian-first recruitment program contributes to a more diverse Victoria Police
The Victorian Government’s one-of-a-kind police diversity recruitment program is contributing to a more diverse police force that provides Victorians from multicultural backgrounds with skilled employment pathways, says Jesuit Social Services. “The Policing Recruitment Pathway course has helped to break down the employment barriers faced by African-Australians who hope to work with Victoria Police, contributing to…
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Youth detention reports emphasise need for skilled, supported workforce
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…
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New housing initiatives will support more people to flourish
The Victorian Government’s recent housing initiatives – including a new social housing complex and funding for projects to support young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness – will ensure more Victorians have a safe and secure place to call home, says Jesuit Social Services. “It is extremely challenging for people to flourish or reach…
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Small number of Australian communities continue to experience entrenched and persistent disadvantage
A small number of communities across the country continue to bear the brunt of multilayered disadvantage and experience disproportionate levels of unemployment, housing stress and young people not engaged in education or employment, among other risk factors for disadvantage, according to a landmark report published today. This limits life opportunities for people in these communities,…
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Federal Government must act immediately to protect Afghan refugees
The Federal Government must show compassion and true leadership to support people impacted by the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan, including an immediate increase of Australia’s intake of humanitarian refugees, says Jesuit Social Services. “Like millions of Australians, we are deeply distressed at the scenes emerging from Afghanistan of people trying to flee the Taliban and…