Discover what's happening around Jesuit Social Services.
No images? Click here
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact us all, we are all in the process of adapting to the new normal, and what this means for our business operations and delivery of programs to our participants.
You will have continued to receive regular updates from our acting CEO Sally Parnell, covering carer’s leave entitlements and flexible working arrangements, an update on these entitlements based on new information from the Federal government, as well as information about the new JobKeeper payments.
We will continue to provide information about the COVID-19 epidemic and its impact on our work as it becomes available. We trust you are all keeping well during these challenging times.
Danielle Sherry is Coordinator of our Just Voices Speakers Program. She recently spoke to Just Voices participant Isaiah Lahai about the lessons that can be learned from the experience of being a refugee for those grappling with life during a global pandemic.
Letter from the Jesuit Provincial Brian McCoy to the Province community
Jesuit Provincial Fr. Brian McCoy SJ recently sent a letter of solidarity to the Province community regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Message from Just Voices participant Sammy
Sammy is participant in our Just Voices Speakers Program. He shares a story of his own experiences with social isolation and a rap of hope for moving through our current situation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Just Voices participants aren’t able to speak in front of groups of people at the moment, however the team are looking into how our presenters may be able to use Zoom to continue to share their stories and generate important discussion.
A just transition to sustainability must support the most marginalised
It is increasingly clear that the impacts of climate change disproportionately impact the most disadvantaged people and communities, in many cases exacerbating existing inequality and marginalisation. A just transition would ensure that those least able to cope with climate change receive the support they need to successfully adapt.
Ravenhall audit a sobering reminder of need for transparency in prison system
A new audit of Ravenhall Prison, tabled by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office, shows that an over-crowded prison population is limiting people’s access to vital programs and services to help them address the underlying issues behind their offending. We need greater access to data and transparency across the board to assess whether prison operators are meeting their contractual obligations, writes Jesuit Social Services’ Media Relations Manager KATHRYN KERNOHAN.
Our CEO Julie Edwards spoke to The Australian about how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting on the vulnerable people we work with – and why the Federal Government’s temporary boost of social security payments should be the impetus for long-lasting change. Read it here.
The six-month increase to the Jobseeker Payment demonstrates the need for longer-term solutions to support people on the margins. Acting CEO Sally Parnell told CathNews that the payments will not come into effect for several weeks, and called on the Federal Government to immediately bridge the gap for people struggling today. Read it here.
Last week, the Sentencing Advisory Council released a report highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of children aged 10 to 13 who have contact with the youth justice system. We issued a media release welcoming this report, and saying that it adds to the volume of evidence showing us the need to raise the age of legal responsibility. Read it here.
Like what you've read?
