Media releases Archives - Page 5 of 30

Queensland must to commit to evidence-based justice reform: Jesuit Social Services
- 6 June 2023
While some Australian jurisdictions are taking positive steps towards more humane, evidence-based approaches towards children and young people who have contact with the criminal justice system, Queensland is going backwards with regressive laws that will not support stronger, more cohesive communities.
National Reconciliation Week an invitation to all Australians to help create a stronger future
- 30 May 2023
National Reconciliation Week’s call for all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in their everyday lives is a timely reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a stronger, more equitable country. Supporting a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to Parliament will also support shaping a society in…
Victorian Budget contains investments to support a fairer justice system
- 24 May 2023
The 2023-24 Victorian State Budget, handed down during a challenging economic period as the state works towards recovering from the pandemic, contains a range of investments to improve outcomes for people who have contact with the state’s criminal justice system, says Jesuit Social Services.
2023-24 Federal Budget provides relief to many Australians, but fails to lift others out of poverty
- 9 May 2023
The 2023-24 Federal Budget, handed down tonight, includes some positive investments to ease current cost of living pressures experienced by millions of Australians and support vital services such as Medicare, but a modest increase to the Jobseeker payment does almost nothing to lift vulnerable people out of poverty, says Jesuit Social Services. “Treasurer Jim Chalmers…
Plan to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 does not go far enough
- 26 April 2023
The Victorian Government’s announcement that it will raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years now and to 14 within four years is at odds with the evidence about children’s brain development and the best way to create strong and cohesive communities, says Jesuit Social Services. “Australia has long been out of touch with…
Failure to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 a missed opportunity
- 21 April 2023
Media reports today suggest that the Victorian Government will raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12, instead of 14 which has long been advocated for by the community services and legal sectors as well as child welfare experts. If this is the case, it is a missed opportunity for the state to take a…
Federal Budget an opportunity to ensure that those on the margins of society are no longer overlooked
- 20 April 2023
The upcoming 2023-24 Federal Budget, to be handed down next month, represents a valuable opportunity for the Federal Government to make targeted and tailored investments to ensure that all Australians have the opportunity to reach their potential and that nobody is left behind, says Jesuit Social Services. “Last year’s Federal Election result demonstrated that millions…
Positive trends in youth justice must be supported by progress to raise the age
- 31 March 2023
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)’s annual Youth Justice in Australia report, published today, reveals that the number of young people both under community-based supervision and in detention has declined over the past five years. These positive trends must be supported by a commitment by all states and territories to raise the age…
Australia must build climate resilient communities as an issue of justice
- 21 March 2023
The latest report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which synthesises the findings of recent reports, is an urgent reminder that Australia must take strong action to address climate change vulnerability and build climate resilient communities as an issue of justice, alongside mitigation measures, says Jesuit Social Services.
Victoria’s move to #RaiseTheAge will support children, families and the broader community
- 16 February 2023
Read our media release responding to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrew's announcement the state will move to raise the age of criminal responsibility.