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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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NT prison lockdown an urgent reminder youth justice reform is needed
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…
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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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Time is now for Governments to commit to raise the age
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…
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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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Worsening COVID crisis in Victorian prison system needs urgent intervention
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…
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Urgent action required to support vulnerable people in NSW’s prison system
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…
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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…