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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…
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CAPSA urges Federal Government to do more to protect Afghan refugees
The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA), representing leaders across the Catholic Church, health, education, refugee and social services, has called on the Morrison Federal Government to guarantee permanent visas for Afghans already in the country under temporary protection or currently being processed, and increase its intake of humanitarian refugees from Afghanistan. The call…
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Northern Territory’s Aboriginal Justice Agreement will improve outcomes, but further work needed
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…
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Better approaches to supporting young people in the Northern Territory
In May, the Northern Territory Government introduced a number of legislative changes to the youth justice system that will see more children separated from family and community, and funnelled into detention. These deeply concerning measures include increasing grounds to refuse or revoke bail; reducing access to diversion; and more powers to place electronic monitoring devices…
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Post-release housing project will help more people get back on track
The Victorian Government’s funding extension for a community residential facility in Maribyrnong that provides short term accommodation to men who would otherwise exit the prison system into homelessness will help more vulnerable people to get their lives back on track, and reduce the chances of re-offending, says Jesuit Social Services. “We commend the Victorian Government…
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Victorian Budget investments will create stronger communities
The Victorian Government’s 2021-22 Budget provides a range of critical investments to help people and communities, including marginalised Victorians, to flourish says Jesuit Social Services. “Today’s Budget has been handed down at a time when our society is still being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After an extremely challenging 15 months for our entire community,…