Media releases Archives - Page 9 of 30

Youth detention reports emphasise need for skilled, supported workforce
- 14 December 2021
Reports of safety concerns for young people and staff alike at Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre have highlighted the need for the youth detention workforce to be well skilled, trained and supported to ensure the system can meet its primary goal of rehabilitation, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are concerned and disappointed by recent media reports…
New housing initiatives will support more people to flourish
- 10 December 2021
The Victorian Government’s recent housing initiatives – including a new social housing complex and funding for projects to support young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness – will ensure more Victorians have a safe and secure place to call home, says Jesuit Social Services. “It is extremely challenging for people to flourish or reach…
Time is now for Governments to commit to raise the age
- 8 December 2021
Jesuit Social Services has joined more than 30 health, medical and community services organisations in signing an open letter to state and territory Premiers, Health Ministers and Attorneys-General calling on them to urgently raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to at least 14 years. “The evidence is clear – and has been clear…
Small number of Australian communities continue to experience entrenched and persistent disadvantage
- 24 November 2021
A small number of communities across the country continue to bear the brunt of multilayered disadvantage and experience disproportionate levels of unemployment, housing stress and young people not engaged in education or employment, among other risk factors for disadvantage, according to a landmark report published today. This limits life opportunities for people in these communities,…
Worsening COVID crisis in Victorian prison system needs urgent intervention
- 6 October 2021
The current COVID-19 outbreak within the Victorian prison system, which has spread to five prisons across Melbourne and regional Victoria, requires urgent intervention by the Victorian Government to prevent the crisis from worsening says Jesuit Social Services. “Around the world, and here in Australia, we have seen how quickly COVID-19 can spread within prison systems…
Urgent action required to support vulnerable people in NSW’s prison system
- 1 September 2021
The NSW Government must protect the health and safety of vulnerable people in prison by moving to immediately release some people into the community, as COVID-19 outbreaks in the state’s prisons continue to worsen, says Jesuit Social Services. “Throughout the pandemic, across Australia and beyond, we have been extremely concerned about the potential catastrophic consequences…
Federal Government must act immediately to protect Afghan refugees
- 26 August 2021
The Federal Government must show compassion and true leadership to support people impacted by the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan, including an immediate increase of Australia’s intake of humanitarian refugees, says Jesuit Social Services. “Like millions of Australians, we are deeply distressed at the scenes emerging from Afghanistan of people trying to flee the Taliban and…
CAPSA urges Federal Government to do more to protect Afghan refugees
- 21 August 2021
The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA), representing leaders across the Catholic Church, health, education, refugee and social services, has called on the Morrison Federal Government to guarantee permanent visas for Afghans already in the country under temporary protection or currently being processed, and increase its intake of humanitarian refugees from Afghanistan. The call…
Northern Territory’s Aboriginal Justice Agreement will improve outcomes, but further work needed
- 12 August 2021
The Northern Territory Government’s landmark Aboriginal Justice Agreement is a significant step towards improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but must be supported by a consistent approach across the justice system to keep young people out of detention, says Jesuit Social Services. The Aboriginal Justice Agreement has been developed in strong…
NT youth detention settlement an urgent warning that justice reform is needed
- 28 July 2021
A landmark $35 million settlement between the Northern Territory Government and children who were mistreated in its youth detention system is a warning that youth justice reform is urgently needed, says Jesuit Social Services. “Five years ago, the entire nation was horrified by the footage of children being abused, neglected and mistreated in the Northern…