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.

Disability, disadvantage and complex needs: submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission
- 8 March 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Australian Human Rights Commission National Consultation Paper, Shaping our future: discussions on disability rights. Our submission draws on our experience engaging with vulnerable people and communities throughout Australia. It focuses on the intersections of disability with complex needs, disadvantage and involvement in the justice system,…
Submission to the Fifth National Mental Health Plan
- 14 December 2016
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Department of Health’s draft Fifth National Mental Health Plan. Our submission calls for: mental health to be addressed within the context of place-based entrenched disadvantage trauma-informed and innovative models to strengthen entry points and specialist responses for people with multiple and complex needs a nationally…
Jesuit Social Services’ response to the Victorian state disability plan 2017-2020
- 15 July 2016
This submission draws on Jesuit Social Services’ experience engaging with vulnerable people and communities throughout Australia. It focuses on the intersections of disability with complex needs, disadvantage and involvement in the justice system. Get your copy Download Jesuit Social Services response to the Victorian state disability plan
Senate Inquiry into the indefinite detention of people with cognitive and psychiatric impairment in Australia
- 27 April 2016
This submission responds to the 2015 Senate Inquiry into the indefinite detention of people with cognitive and psychiatric impairment in Australia. The submission focuses on people with cognitive impairment, however, many of its recommendations are also relevant to people with psychiatric impairment within the criminal justice system. The submission identifies that Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders, people with a…
Response to Victoria's next 10-year mental health strategy
- 20 September 2015
Our policy response proposes actions to: prevent and reduce suicide; reduce disadvantage and increase social and economic participation; respond to need with effective, coordinated treatment and support; and recognise and respond to the experience of trauma. It supports the vision articulated in the discussion paper for an holistic approach to mental health that takes account…
Response to the independent review of delivery of Mental Health and Drug Treatment Services
- 9 September 2015
Our policy response draws on our experience of over 38 years working directly with people with complex needs with mental health and substance misuse issues. It focuses on the impact of recommissioning of mental health community support services (MHCSS), but also comments on alcohol an other drugs (AOD) services where applicable. We strongly endorse the concerns…
Taking action to support people with mental illness and other complex needs
- 20 October 2014
This position paper is one of four produced by Jesuit Social Services as part of our 2014 Victorian State Government Election Platform. In it, we call for the next Victorian Government to ensure that people with mental illness have the support they need so that they can fully participate in our community. Our recommendations consider the particular challenges…
Submission to the Intentional Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviour in Children Inquiry
- 19 June 2014
This submission responds to the 2014 National Children’s Commissioner Inquiry into Intentional Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviour in Children. In it, Jesuit Social Services calls for a whole-of-community approach to tackling the risk factors for self-harm and suicide. The submission urges Governments to: Effectively plan for and adequately resource a full spectrum of evidence based services that promote the mental…
Submission to the Supply and Use of Methamphetamines in Victoria Inquiry
- 20 October 2013
This submission responds to the 2013 Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the supply and use of methamphetamines, particularly ‘ice’, in Victoria. Methamphetamines use impacts on the judgement, mental health, health, and relationships of many of the people we work with. Our submission outlines some concrete steps for action that can be taken within the existing harm minimisation framework of…