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Second medically supervised injecting room will save lives for Victorians struggling with addiction
Jesuit Social Services welcomes Victoria’s second medically supervised injecting room, announced today by the Victorian Government. An independent panel last year recommended a new site be built after its review of a medically supervised injecting room in North Richmond found it had saved lives and helped thousands of Victorians struggling with addiction to get help.…
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Funding boost to legal assistance services will support vulnerable Victorians
The Victorian Government’s $17.5 million funding boost to frontline legal assistance services including Victoria Legal Aid, Community Legal Centres and Aboriginal legal services will ensure that vulnerable Victorians will have access to vital services during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Jesuit Social Services. “We welcome the Victorian Government’s announcement of additional funding to frontline legal assistant…
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Social security boost welcome; longer-term support needed
The Federal Government’s decision to temporarily boost the Jobseeker Allowance (formerly known as Newstart) and the Youth Allowance Job Seeker payment for six months during the unfolding COVID-19 health crisis is extremely welcome – and demonstrates the need for longer-term solutions to support people on the margins, says Jesuit Social Services. “The COVID-19 crisis has…
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More than 100 participants from across the Northern Territory have gathered in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), on the land of the Central Arrernte people, to commit to transformative actions that respond to the climate crisis and create a just and sustainable future for our communities. The Summit was attended by Indigenous community leaders, representatives from Aboriginal…
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Funding cut to ATSI peak body must be immediately reversed
The Federal Government’s funding cut to the National Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services Forum (National FVPLS) is unjustified, unwarranted and must be immediately reversed, says Jesuit Social Services. “Jesuit Social Services, along with many of our colleagues in the community services sector, is extremely concerned at the Federal Government’s decision to cease funding…
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Medevac repeal a shameful day in Australian history
The Federal Government’s repeal of the Medevac laws is a shameful day in Australian history and equates to political point scoring with the lives of vulnerable people, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are deeply dismayed and saddened with the Morrison Government’s repeal of these valuable laws which had rightly put medical decisions in the hands…
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PNG visit affirms need for safe, secure pathways for refugees and people seeking asylum
Seven representatives from the Catholic community in Australia have returned from a visit to Papua New Guinea to listen, pray and express solidarity with people seeking asylum and refugees and gain a better understanding of the human experience and complexities of the situation. The group has affirmed the need for the Medevac provision, which will…
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Joint Statement calling for a just transition to a safe climate future in the Northern Territory
We welcome the Northern Territory Government’s draft Climate Change Response: Towards 2050 as a positive step towards a comprehensive response to the climate crisis facing the Territory, and indeed, the world. As the Government’s draft Response states, the question is no longer, ‘Why should we act on climate change?’ We believe the question must be…
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Out for Good initiative will help vulnerable young people to reach their potential
The Victorian Government’s Out for Good initiative, launched yesterday, will support vulnerable young people to lead fulfilling lives and to reach their potential, says Jesuit Social Services. Jesuit Social Services joins Government, private industry and community services partners in the initiative, which will access sustainable employment opportunities for 50 young people who have had contact with the criminal justice system.…