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 on the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management to Cashless Debit Card Transition) Bill 2019
- 31 October 2019
Jesuit Social Services considers that the continued expansion of the cashless debit card trials is problematic, and forms part of a suite of concerning policy measures that undermine the dignity and personal agency of people experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage. In the Northern Territory, compulsory income management was introduced as part of the Northern Territory…
Submission to Senate inquiry into the adequacy of Newstart and related payments
- 22 October 2019
In supporting people to reach their full potential, including to find meaningful work, we cannot ignore the structural barriers to participation that many people face, including locational disadvantage, a lack of appropriate housing and a social safety net that has been chronically underfunded. Newstart is simply not enough to live on. We can’t expect a…
Submission on Northern Territory Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Framework
- 21 October 2019
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Northern Territory’s first Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Framework. Sexual violence refers to behaviours of a sexual nature and covers a spectrum of criminal and other behaviours committed against children and adults. This includes sexualised bullying, sexual harassment, problem sexual behaviours, unwanted…
Submission on Northern Territory Gender Equality Framework 2019-2024
- 21 October 2019
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the development of the first Northern Territory Gender Equality Framework 2019-2024. The development of this Framework is a significant milestone for the Territory. Despite significant strides towards equality led by women over decades, gender inequality persists in Australia. These inequalities exist within our social and cultural…
Submission to the Inquiry into Sustainable Employment for Disadvantaged Jobseekers in Victoria
- 21 October 2019
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s inquiry into Sustainable Employment for Disadvantaged Jobseekers in Victoria. In our submission, we argue that the nature of entrenched disadvantage and social inequality in Victoria must be better understood and addressed. This includes the need for community-led, place-based responses to address…
Submission to the Inquiry into Tackling Climate Change in Victorian Communities
- 21 October 2019
For organisations concerned with social justice, there is growing recognition that the consequences of harm to the natural environment are felt more acutely by disadvantaged people and communities. A ‘climate impasse’ has typified climate policy in Australia. There has been a lack of bold and strategic action and policies that address the need to transform…
Submission to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee’s Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Repairing Medical Transfers) Bill 2019
- 21 October 2019
Jesuit Social Services believes that the current measures prescribed by the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2018 — commonly referred to as the Medevac Law — are reasonable and necessary. Moves to repeal this legislation, as prescribed by the Migration Amendment (Repairing Medical Transfers) Bill 2019, are cause for considerable concern. The Medevac…
Submission to the Senate Legal & Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Sexual Crimes Against Children and Community Protection Measures) Bill 2019
- 7 October 2019
Just Transitions - Expanding the conversation: ecological justice series
- 26 September 2019
This paper is part of an ongoing symposium series exploring Just Transitions and Ecological Justice hosted by Jesuit Social Services in Melbourne, Sydney and the Northern Territory.
#JusticeSolutions - New Zealand tour
- 24 September 2019
In 2019, senior leaders from Jesuit Social Services embarked on a study trip to New Zealand to learn more about innovative approaches to dealing with adults and young people who have contact with the criminal justice system. This #JusticeSolutions tour followed a similar tour to parts of the US and Europe in 2017. The New…