Policy submissions

Here you’ll find a wide selection of policy papers and submissions we’ve published. Each paper draws on our experience working with disadvantaged youth, families and communities.

Submission to the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s Consultation on Improving the Response of the Justice System to Sexual Offences
- 11 January 2021
Jesuit Social Services contributed to the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s (VLRC) consultation on Improving the Response of the Justice System to Sexual Offences. In general, Jesuit Social Services advocates a restorative approach by the justice system. In the context of sexual offending and sexual offences, we emphasise the need to ensure that restorative approaches are…
Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee’s consultation regarding the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Extension of Coronavirus Support) Bill 2020
- 7 December 2020
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee’s consultation regarding the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Extension of Coronavirus Support) Bill 2020, which allows for the extension of the Coronavirus Supplement until 31 March 2021. In this submission, we highlight that the COVID-19 pandemic has underlined pre-existing…
Update on our engagement with the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
- 5 December 2020
In July 2019, Jesuit Social Services made a written submission to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. Our aim was to facilitate the voice and experience of our participants and program staff in relation to mental health and wellbeing. Jesuit Social Services’ submission made recommendations across a range of areas. These include broader…
Submission on the ‘Continuation of Cashless Welfare Bill 2020'
- 18 November 2020
Jesuit Social Services has previously outlined a range of concerns about the ongoing trials and continued expansion of the cashless debit card measures. These include the disproportionate impact of the scheme on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; inadequate consultation with affected communities; its compulsory nature; the lack of a clear evidence base; and evidence…
Submission to the inquiry into environmental infrastructure in Victoria
- 13 October 2020
Investment in our environmental infrastructure is a crucial element of building more equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities. Jesuit Social Services therefore commends the initiation of this Inquiry into Environmental Infrastructure for Growing Populations, and welcomes the opportunity to respond. The need to safeguard and develop green and open spaces is ever more important in an increasingly…
Submission to the NDIS Support Coordination Consultation
- 8 October 2020
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) external consultation on its National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Support Coordination Discussion Paper (August 2020). We recognise the complexity of needs experienced by people with disability, the challenges of providing and coordinating services in a way that meets each person’s individual…
Submission to Inquiry into Ecosystem Decline in Victoria
- 8 October 2020
As we have seen through the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis, and in the current overlapping health and economic crises of the COVID-19 pandemic, those who are already marginalised suffer the most and this extends to the impacts of biodiversity loss and degradation. Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Inquiry into Ecosystem Decline in…
Exploring the needs of people on Community Correction Orders and opportunities to improve rehabilitative pathways
- 14 September 2020
Rates of imprisonment have consistently risen in Australia over the past few decades. In addition to the significant economic cost, research shows that prison is not an effective deterrent and may itself lead to criminal behaviour. Community-based options show promise in relation to recidivism reduction and cost effectiveness. In Victoria, the Community Corrections Order (CCO)…
Submission to the inquiry into the Victorian Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic
- 3 September 2020
At the time of writing this submission, Victoria was grappling with a surge in COVID-19 cases and a second large-scale lockdown. Much remains uncertain. We do not know how long this pandemic will last, the total number of deaths, or the full physical, mental, social and economic toll. We do know, however, that certain groups…
Submission to the National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development Review
- 17 August 2020
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Productivity Commission’s Interim Report of its National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development Review. While the formal VET system is the main focus of the Commission’s Interim Report, we believe there is scope for more nuanced discussion of the important role of foundational learning for…