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.

The harsh reality of onshore immigration detention in Australia
- 10 July 2019
“Rules for visitors have become stricter, procedures more onerous and conditions for visits less welcoming. Changes appear to be designed to deter visits. I believe they are achieving this goal. Because of this I have increased my visits to twice weekly.” – A detention visitor in Victoria Numerous independent reports over many years have documented…
Submission to Victorian African Communities Action Plan
- 5 January 2018
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to comment on the draft Victorian African Communities Action Plan. We commend the Government on taking this proactive step, in close collaboration with local communities, towards creating more inclusive economic and social opportunities for all African Victorians. Jesuit Social Services recognises and affirms the significant economic and social contribution…
Submission to the Visa simplification policy consultation
- 4 October 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to put forward our views to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s ‘Visa simplification’ policy consultation. In our submission we call on the Australian Government to ensure that any transformation of our visa system retains a nation-building focus: reuniting families, enhancing social networks, enriching our cultural diversity and…
Submission to the inquiry on the Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
- 20 July 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to put forward our views to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry on the Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017. In our submission we call for a number of amendments to the bill to ensure that citizenship remains…
Submission to the Strengthening the Test for Australian Citizenship discussion paper
- 6 June 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to put forward our views on the Strengthening the Test for Australian Citizenship discussion paper, which outlines the Australian Government’s proposal to change the eligibility requirements for Australian citizenship. In our submission we call on the Australian Government to support initiatives to empower vulnerable migrants and strengthen social cohesion,…
Submission to the Humanitarian Programme 2017-18 discussion paper
- 6 June 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to put forward our views on the composition of the 2017-18 Humanitarian Programme, as well as initiatives assisting humanitarian entrants to secure stable employment and achieve self-sufficiency. In our submission we call for a more generous response to the needs of displaced people under an expanded Humanitarian Programme. We…
Submission to the inquiry into migrant settlement outcomes
- 19 February 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration inquiry into migrant settlement outcomes. In our submission, we call on the Australian Government to: ensure programs and policies affecting newly arrived migrants recognise the significant impact that migration and pre-arrival experiences have on individuals’ settlement outcomes recognise that settlement…
Northern Territory 2017/18 Budget submission
- 9 January 2017
Our submission to the Northern Territory 2017/18 Budget highlights the role of place-based disadvantage, which underpins a range of inequities in the Northern Territory. Our recent repot, Dropping off the Edge 2015, found that 25 per cent of locations in the NT accounted for 47 per cent of the highest disadvantage rankings. These findings highlight both the complexity and…
Submission to the Federal Senate Inquiry into Nauru and Manus Island
- 8 November 2016
People who come to Australia seeking asylum are among the most vulnerable members of our community. Respect for their human dignity and health and wellbeing requires that they are properly fed, sheltered, safe, provided with appropriate educational opportunities, receive medical care and have their claims adjudicated fairly within a reasonable timeframe. Our submission to the…
Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory – our response
- 31 October 2016
This submission responds to the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory. In it, we draw on almost 40 years’ experience accompanying people involved, or at risk of becoming involved, in the criminal justice system. We also draw on evidence of how to create better outcomes for young people…