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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…
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Royal Commission report a roadmap for a mental health system for all
The landmark final report and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System provides an opportunity to rebuild the system to work for all Victorians, says Jesuit Social Services. “The Royal Commission has identified that Victoria’s mental health system has been failing for decades, and that systemic gaps have been highlighted by the…
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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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$50 a fortnight JobSeeker raise will not support dignified lives
The Federal Government’s confirmation of a $50 per fortnight increase to the JobSeeker payment – once the current Coronavirus Supplement ends in March – is a decision that lacks empathy and will continue to condemn many Australians to poverty, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are extremely disappointed that, although the COVID-19 pandemic has made it…