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 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…
Submission to the Legal and Social Issues Committee inquiry into a legislated spent convictions scheme in Victoria
- 22 July 2019
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the inquiry into a spent convictions scheme in Victoria. Many of the people we work with struggle to obtain employment due to their criminal record, which can negatively impact their overall mental and physical well-being. We can’t expect people to turn their lives around if they…
Submission to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System
- 11 July 2019
Supporting Victorians’ mental health and wellbeing is a complex issue. In listening to people with lived experience of mental illness, Jesuit Social Services understands how poor mental health can severely impact on an individual’s wellbeing across a wide range of areas including education and training, employment, family wellbeing, justice and crime. It is therefore critical…
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…