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NT Government must invest in prevention, not detention
The Northern Territory Government’s planned expansion of the Don Dale youth detention facility is a tacit admission it is turning its back on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory which was established, in no small part, in response to the conditions at the very…
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Report paves way for a youth justice system that helps, not harms, Aboriginal children
A new report, tabled in the Victorian Parliament today by the Commission for Children and Young People, highlights a range of potential reforms that would prevent Aboriginal children from having contact with the youth justice system and ensure that children who have contact with the system are given every opportunity to lead positive futures, says…
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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,…
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Time is now for all Governments to #RaiseTheAge
Jesuit Social Services has joined more than 75 social services, legal and human rights organisations to call on all levels to Government to stop condemning primary school aged children to prison and to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years as a matter of urgency. “Today we are standing alongside many…
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Federal Budget provides welcome support for some, leaves others behind
The 2021-22 Federal Budget makes some vital investments in mental health and the prevention of family violence, but leaves many vulnerable Australians behind particularly at a time when the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt, says Jesuit Social Services. “This Federal Budget is a mixed bag that provides increased funding in key…
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Time for states to show true leadership and #RaiseTheAge
The Federal Government’s decision to refer decision making about raising the age of criminal responsibility back to states and territories – after years of debate – will condemn more vulnerable children to unnecessary contact with the criminal justice system, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are deeply disappointed that, despite a wealth of evidence from Australia…
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It’s time for all men to take responsibility to prevent sexual harassment, abuse and violence
It is time for all men – young and old – to take responsibility for preventing the sexual harassment, abuse and violence that we know is endemic in our society. We are facing a national reckoning. Men’s violence and sexual degradation of women must stop. We know that around 95% of all victims of violence,…
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NT youth justice reforms a significant backwards step
The Northern Territory Government’s announcement of a number of legislative changes in relation to the youth justice system are counter-productive, will funnel more children into the detention system, and will not improve community safety, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are very concerned about the measures announced by the Territory Government, including changes to the Bail…
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Youth coalition supports Spent Convictions Scheme
We the undersigned member agencies of Smart Justice for Young People, come together to express our collective support for the scheme proposed in the Spent Convictions Bill. Smart Justice for Young People – a coalition of over 50 social services, health, legal, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, youth advocacy organisations and academic experts – has…