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.

#JusticeSolutions: Expanding the conversation
- 28 August 2017
Youth justice is at a crossroads in Australia. In every state and territory across the nation, governments are grappling with youth justice issues as they seek to reduce crime, improve community safety and respond to public concern that is being fanned by sensationalised media coverage. In order to inform the discussions around youth justice in…
Submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s OPCAT in Australia Consultation Paper
- 18 August 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Australian Human Rights Commission’s OPCAT in Australia Consultation Paper. We support the Australian Government’s commitment to ratify OPCAT* and believe it provides: a valuable opportunity to strengthen oversight measures in detention facilities a clear opportunity to drive more holistic and therapeutic practices within prisons, and…
Our views on the NT Alcohol Policies and Legislation Review
- 14 July 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to put our views forward on the Northern Territory Alcohol Policies and Legislation Review, which considers reforming the current system to reduce alcohol-related harm in the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory has the highest rate of consumption of alcohol in the country which has resulted in a large amount…
How to improve youth justice centres in Victoria: reduce harm, protect children's rights and tailor transitions
- 15 March 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Inquiry into Youth Justice Centres in Victoria. We believe youth justice in Victoria must be delivered according to a clear model, underpinned by a philosophy aligned with what we are trying to achieve – meeting the needs of children and young people, and creating a…
How to better prepare people to transition from prison to the community
- 9 March 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Victorian Ombudsman’s enquiry into rehabilitation services post prison. People exiting prison in Victoria are some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community, yet the limited support that is available to them means they often get stuck in the revolving door of the…
Submission to the review into Victoria's bail system
- 9 March 2017
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the review into Victoria’s bail system. Our submission focuses on the difficulties some groups face in accessing support, and the consequences of this exclusion both for the individuals involved and the community as a whole. Every Victorian should have the opportunity to access the support they…
States of Justice: Criminal justice trends across Australia
- 19 December 2016
For the first time, Jesuit Social Services’ States of Justice Report has drawn together data from around Australia to provide a fuller picture of how Australia’s criminal justice system is trending. It offers a chance to delve into the reality of crime and punishment in Australia: that we are becoming more punitive but to less effect. The…
Our response to the use of isolation, separation and lockdowns in youth justice
- 12 December 2016
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Commission for Children and Young People’s Inquiry into the use of isolation, separation and lockdowns in youth justice centres. We believe that: current approaches to children who display antisocial behaviour frequently fail to engage with them in ways that are developmentally appropriate a range of…
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…
Creating a just and safe Northern Territory
- 12 August 2016
Jesuit Social Services’ election platform, Creating a just and safe Northern Territory, calls on parties and candidates to commit to two key areas for action to tackle the root causes of disadvantage: 1. Ensure all children and young people have the opportunity to flourish Ensure all children have access to early childhood education and health…