Media releases Archives - Page 9 of 30

New offences for intimidation ignore underlying factors
- 5 February 2019
Proposed new legislation that will result in sentences of up to 10 years in jail for intimidation of a police officer, protective services officer, custodial officer or youth custodial officer fails to address the underlying factors behind tensions in the justice system, says Jesuit Social Services. The Victorian Government yesterday introduced the Justice Legislation (Police…
NSW must look at best practice to address juvenile justice tensions
- 23 January 2019
The NSW Government is experiencing challenges with its youth justice system, The Daily Telegraph has reported. “New South Wales is not the only state that has recently dealt with issues, sometimes violent, in its juvenile justice system,” says Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards. “These issues lead to poorer outcomes for everybody – they jeopardise the prospects of…
Ombudsman investigation will shine a light on inhumane practice of solitary confinement
- 6 December 2018
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the Victorian Ombudsman’s impending investigation of the use of solitary confinement of young people in the Victorian prison system. “Through our work with young people and adults in the prison system, we regularly see the irreversible physical and mental harm that can be caused by the use of solitary confinement,” says…
NT investment into diversion will result in less crime and safer communities
- 4 December 2018
The Northern Territory Government’s $5 million investment into an innovative model that will support children and young people to get back on track will result in less crime, fewer victims and safer communities, says Jesuit Social Services. “We commend the Northern Territory Government on its commitment to positive reform of the youth justice system after…
One year anniversary of Royal Commission report a chance to reset
- 15 November 2018
The one year anniversary of the final report of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory is an opportunity to take stock and re-commit ourselves to a youth justice system that strengthens, rather than harms, children, families and the community, says Jesuit Social Services. “All the evidence to the Royal Commission…
New Darwin youth justice facility must be fast-tracked
- 7 November 2018
Another incident at Darwin’s Don Dale centre overnight is further evidence that the new youth detention facilities, announced as a result of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory, must be fast-tracked says Jesuit Social Services. “In its final report last year, the Royal Commission found that facilities…
Mandatory sentencing laws a step backwards for Victoria
- 20 September 2018
The passing of new laws that will impose mandatory prison sentences on people who assault emergency services workers is a step backwards for Victoria’s criminal justice system, says Jesuit Social Services. “We all agree that emergency services workers perform vital services in the community and should be safe at work. Mandatory sentencing is not the…
Victoria needs evidence-based justice system, not new prison
- 18 September 2018
A new 1,000-plus bed prison for Victoria, plans of which were revealed in the Herald-Sun this week, would be counter-productive to community safety, according to Jesuit Social Services. “We are extremely disappointed to learn of plans for another prison in Victoria, after the Victorian Government has already committed money to a new 700-bed prison in…
Isolation in detention has irreversible impact on young adults
- 10 September 2018
James (not his real name) was a teenager when he was subjected to isolation in detention. For 22 hours a day, he was locked in his cell. For the other two hours he was permitted out of his cell with a small group of fellow prisoners. When James left prison and returned to the community,…
Damning report reveals extent of youth detention system failings
- 8 August 2018
A damning report tabled today by the Victorian Auditor-General’s office reveals the shocking failures of the youth detention system to rehabilitate young people involved in the system, ultimately failing to reduce reoffending, says Jesuit Social Services. The report on Managing Rehabilitation Services in Youth Detention finds that young people in detention have not been receiving…

Media releases

Donate to our Winter Appeal