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 NSW Law Reform Commission’s Review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
- 16 September 2025
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the NSW Law Commission’s review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) (the ADA). Our submission details employment-related discrimination experienced by individuals in NSW who have a criminal record, the way this discrimination impacts their ability to participate in the workforce, as well as broader ramifications.
Submission to the NSW Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy
- 11 September 2025
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to inform the NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Our submission is informed by the lived and living experience of Jesuit Social Services staff in Western Sydney – and their reflections on their community’s experience – of mental health and wellbeing, and of the mental…
Submission to the Northern Territory’s draft Refreshed Domestic Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Reduction Framework 2025-2028
- 22 August 2025
Our feedback draws on history of working alongside Aboriginal communities and organisations in the NT since 2008; and our research and practice expertise in primary prevention and early intervention of DFSV, with a focus on engaging men and boys.
Submission to the Inquiry into Student Pathways into In-Demand Industries
- 7 August 2025
People’s ability to engage in education, training and employment is crucial – not only for their development, but for building a socially cohesive society where people can access well-paid, secure jobs. Yet many people in Australia face significant barriers to accessing these pathways, and government efforts to address them are lagging.
Submission to the Queensland Government's review of system responses to child sexual abuse
- 1 August 2025
Earlier this year, Jesuit Social Services was invited to make a submission to the Queensland Government’s review of system responses to child sexual abuse. The review was established following the sentencing of Ashley Paul Griffith, who last year pleaded guilty to more than 300 charges committed in daycares in Brisbane and Italy over a period spanning almost…
Submission to the Productivity Commission on the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement
- 30 July 2025
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to make a submission in response to the interim report of the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. We agree with the Commission’s view that the Agreement has not delivered significant progress towards an integrated, accessible and person-centred mental health and suicide prevention…
Submission to the NSW Net Zero Commission's 2025 consultation process
- 11 July 2025
In our submission we highlight the need and opportunity for the NSW Government to adopt a justice-centred approach within all climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Submission to the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review
- 23 June 2025
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Federal Government’s Anti-Bullying Rapid Review. This submission offers insights gained from our work with young people in schools and from our broader work alongside young people and adults across a number of domains over the past 48 years.
Submission to the inquiry into energy, food and water security in Northern Australia
- 12 June 2025
The Climate Justice Alliance of the Northern Territory (CJA NT) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia’s Inquiry into Energy, Food and Water Security.
Submission to the Victorian Climate Change strategy
- 28 April 2025
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to help shape the development of the Victorian government’s second Climate Change Strategy. We believe the development of the second Strategy presents a significant opportunity to build and strengthen action over the next five years to better support people and places most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.