-
Federal Government’s decision to strip income support is shameful
The Federal Government’s decision to strip income support and housing from a group of highly vulnerable families seeking asylum in Australia will impact the entire community, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are appalled that the Federal Government is continuing its cruel campaign of needlessly punishing people who have sought asylum in Australia,” says Jesuit Social…
-
A Joint Catholic statement on SRSS income cuts for people seeking asylum in Australia
The Status Resolution Support Service (SRSS) is a vital safety net for people seeking asylum in Australia. It provides basic income support, casework services, and access to torture and trauma counselling services to many women, men, and children. Starting in late 2017, the government began excluding full-time students including many on scholarship, and those who…
-
Backing greater career opportunities for African Australians
NAB and Jesuit Social Services have today announced they will extend their award-winning African Australian Inclusion Program (AAIP) to Sydney branches for the first time. Jesuit Social Services has also formed partnerships with two other major organisations including John Holland to deliver similar corporate diversity programs. The AAIP has been running at NAB for nine…
-
Ombudsman report shows women with complex needs need better support
A report tabled by the Victorian Ombudsman today shows that a better response to women with disabilities and cognitive impairments in the criminal justice system is overdue, says Jesuit Social Services. The report, Implementing OPCAT in Victoria: report and inspection of the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, contains a range of findings spanning a week-long independent…
-
A joint Catholic statement on the humanitarian crisis on Manus Island
A week after the official closure of the Manus Island detention centre, more than 600 refugees and people seeking asylum languish inside, unsafe and uncertain about their futures. After forcibly transferring the men to Manus Island in 2013-2014, the Australian government and its sub-contractors have now abandoned the centre and the island, leaving vulnerable people…
-
Medically supervised injecting room will save lives
The two-year trial of a medically supervised injecting room at the North Richmond Community Health Centre in Melbourne’s inner suburbs will help save lives and create safer communities, says Jesuit Social Services. “Recently released data showed that deaths from drug overdoses in the Yarra Council area, which includes Richmond, have grown by 40 per cent this year,”…
-
More than 600 men on Manus Island deserve sanctuary in Australia
The more than 600 men at the Manus Island Regional Processing Centre must be spared further emotional and physical harm and resettled in Australia or suitable third countries, says Jesuit Social Services. “More than 600 men are directly impacted by the closure of the Manus Island detention centre today, and are now unreasonably expected to…
-
Better support for Victorian tenants welcome
Government changes to strengthen safeguards and rights for Victorian tenants have been welcomed by Jesuit Social Services. “Many of the people we work with at Jesuit Social Services are renters and we understand the many challenges and frustrations that can come with navigating the private rental market. We welcome the Victorian Government’s announcements that will…
-
Major party voters support family reunion for refugees, new poll shows
The vast majority of Australians (including more than three-quarters of voters for both major parties) support the reunion of refugee families separated around the world according to a new poll published today. A ReachTEL survey of 1,958 people, commissioned by Jesuit Social Services and the Refugee Council of Australia, found that 75 per cent of…
-
Investments for young people will support meaningful change
The Northern Territory Government’s $1.75 million investment into after-hours youth services in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek, announced today, will help to create cohesive and ultimately safe communities, says Jesuit Social Services. “The best way to support kids to grow up to become productive adults is to connect them with positive activities and opportunities,” says…