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 to the Productivity Commission Inquiry: The Social and Economic Benefits of Improving Mental Health
- 17 April 2019
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into ‘The Social and Economic Benefits of Improving Mental Health’. Given the need for systemic and culture change in mental health, Jesuit Social Services is heartened by the Inquiry’s focus on how reforms outside of healthcare – such as in workplaces,…
Submission to the 2019/20 Victorian State Budget
- 11 April 2019
The re-elected Andrews Government is to be commended on a number of election commitments, including the announcement of $200 million for 1,000 new housing properties, free dental care for children and young people at public schools, 15 hours a week of kindergarten for three year olds, and a Mental Health Royal Commission. Jesuit Social Services…
A more compassionate Australia – Jesuit Social Services’ Federal Election Platform 2019
- 2 April 2019
At election times, familiar themes often dominate the political agenda: the economy, national security, infrastructure, to name a few. These are vital issues of governance. However, as these conversations take place, too often the needs of people on the fringes of society are overlooked. There is clear evidence that Australians are looking for leadership on…
Our Vision for New South Wales - Election and Budget Priorities
- 22 March 2019
Elections are a time to reflect on the state of our communities and consider our vision for the future. The success of our communities should be measured by the equality of access and opportunity its members enjoy. At this New South Wales State Election, we call on all sides of politics to commit addressing disadvantage…
Submission to the Northern Territory Government’s consultation on a draft Charter of Victims’ Rights
- 14 March 2019
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Northern Territory Government’s new Charter of Victims’ Rights. Jesuit Social Services has been working for over 40 years with people involved in the criminal justice system. Over this time, there has been growing recognition of the needs and rights of victims of crime. Victims…
Submission to the Northern Territory Government’s Climate Change Discussion Paper
- 14 March 2019
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the development of a Climate Change Strategy for the Northern Territory. As an organisation, Jesuit Social Services recognises the significant and imminent risks that climate change poses to our communities and the natural world. We also recognise that the people least responsible for ecological threats likely…
Submission to the Senate Economics References Committee’s inquiry into regional inequality in Australia
- 5 March 2019
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the inquiry into Regional Inequality in Australia. The terms of reference for the inquiry called on submitters to examine the indicators of, and impact of, regional inequality in Australia, with particular reference to government policies and programs across a range of areas, including infrastructure, education, employment…
Submission to the Senate Education and Employment References Committee’s inquiry into jobactive
- 5 March 2019
Jesuit Social Services has seen how the current employment services system, with its focus on compliance and meeting narrowly prescribed outcomes, is failing the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people. As a starting point, we believe that for this group of people, the employment and wider human services system needs to broaden its focus from the…
Victorian State Election platform 2018
- 8 November 2018
Elections are times for asking what kind of a society we want. They invite us to name our own vision. At election times, too, politicians offer us their visions for a good society. We have a responsibility to assess what they offer, and have an opportunity to advocate for change. Jesuit Social Services accompanies and…
Submission to the Inquiry into Intergenerational Welfare Dependence
- 16 October 2018
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Inquiry into Intergenerational Welfare Dependence. The Terms of Reference for this Inquiry call on submitters to examine the reasons for welfare dependence, with particular focus on why some families require welfare assistance for short periods only and why others become ‘trapped’ in the system. The…