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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…
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Understanding of stereotypical masculine norms can help drive cultural change
A better understanding of the impact of stereotypical masculine norms on the attitudes and behaviours of young men is critical in improving relationships and wellbeing in our community, says Jesuit Social Services. “Everybody has the right to be safe, and it is deeply distressing to hear about claims of sexual misconduct and assault and the…
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Banning of conversion therapy a step towards ending gender-based discrimination
The passing of the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020 (Victoria), without amendment, will better support the dignity of each person and their right to be and express who they are, says Jesuit Social Services. “This law will make a meaningful difference to the lives of many, and ultimately work towards a more…
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New report highlights importance of Indigenous-led solutions to improve outcomes
A new Productivity Commission report measuring the wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people demonstrates that Indigenous communities and organisations must be central to designing and implementing solutions to ultimately help people thrive, says Jesuit Social Services. “The Productivity Commission’s report into Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage shows us that too many Aboriginal and Torres…
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World Children’s Day highlights need to #RaiseTheAge
World Children’s Day (November 20) is a timely reminder of the vulnerabilities of children and the need to ensure primary school aged children are in the playground – not in prison. Jesuit Social Services’ Worth A Second Chance campaign has just launched a new animated short illustrated by Melbourne artist Ben Jelfs and narrated by…
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New place-based centre for research and action will support marginalised communities to flourish
Putting local communities at the heart of decision making, and empowering communities to give them the resources they need to reach their potential, will be key focus areas of Jesuit Social Services’ place-based centre for research and action, which will launch in early 2021. “The place-based centre for research and action will be a new…
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Spent conviction reform will support civic participation
The Victorian Government’s introduction of the Spent Convictions Bill 2020 into Victorian Parliament today will ultimately support people to reconnect with the community and reach their full potential, says Jesuit Social Services. “Victoria has been the only jurisdiction in Australia without a spent conviction scheme, so we welcome the introduction of this Bill which will…