NetAct - VOTING FOR COMPASSION AND COURAGE Australian Election 2019 - Catholic Religious Australia
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NetAct
VOTING FOR COMPASSION AND COURAGE
A FAIR DEAL FOR ALL
Australian Election 2019
NetAct Your voice strengthens our voice
A Project of Catholic Social Justice,
Welfare and Educational Agencies
9 Mount St North Sydney 2060
Jan.Barnett@sosj.org.au
NetAct NetAct Your voice strengthens our voice
NetAct 18 April, 2019 Dear Leaders, The approaching Federal Election has engendered much publicity. As Australians and as Christians, we are challenged to reflect on some of the values and issues we want our country to consider as we face this particular period in our history. NetAct has prepared these reflection sheets in response to a number of current discussions. It seems that the human and Christian dimensions of these issues are often ignored in the ongoing debate and political wrangling. This is of particular concern in the current climate when conviction politics has been replaced by retail politics. Many are asking, not what are the values that underpin our decisions, but what sells most effectively and will be of greatest benefit to the individual. The recent budget is a classic example of this development. To counter retail politics, the NetAct Kit invites communities to reflect on issues from the perspective of our humanity and our faith, rather than the from standpoint of political rhetoric. We hope that it will engender new conversations. If you believe that it would be helpful, would you kindly distribute this Kit to your communities with an encouragement that it be distributed to parish, social justice and educational groups, discussed in community and social justice gatherings, or shared with friends. Yours gratefully, Jan Barnett rsj On behalf of the NetAct Committee (Claude Mostowik msc, Karen Oxley jjn, Susan Connelly rsj, Suzette Clark rsc NetAct Your voice strengthens our voice A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and Educational Agencies 9 Mount St North Sydney NSW 2060 Jan.Barnett@sosj.org.au
NetAct NetAct Your voice strengthens our voice
NetAct
INTRODUCTION
VOTING FOR COMPASSION AND COURAGE
A FAIR DEAL FOR ALL
As we prepare for the Federal Election, we are reminded of the values which we hope will guide us at
this time – human dignity, human rights, the common good, ecological responsibility, a fair deal for
all, and a preference for those ‘made’ poor. We know that global warming, the unprecedented
number of people seeking asylum around the world, inequality, and economic injustice are clear calls
to justice, compassion and courage in our time.
We enter these weeks in the aftermath of the killings in Christchurch. Compassion, courage and a
call for forgiveness were at the heart of New Zealand’s response. It is these values that challenge us
as we prepare for our own elections.
In the Christian gospel, Jesus calls us to engage the society in which we live, and to do what we can
to transform it in line with the values, which he proclaimed by word and example.
For Christians, the work of social transformation is not an optional extra. It stems from God’s own
passion for those who are marginalised and suffering. And it involves every aspect of our lives.
‘Everything is connected.
Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined
to a sincere love for our fellow human beings
and an unwavering commitment
to resolving the problems of society.’
Laudato Si
Pope Francis 2015
Such foundational belief is intrinsic to the teaching of the Catholic Church
Considering the common good the following points are relevant:…
to provide employment for as many workers as possible;
to take care lest privileged groups arise even amongst the workers themselves;
to maintain a balance between wages and prices;
to make accessible the goods and services for a better life
to as many persons as possible;
either to eliminate or to keep within bounds the inequalities
that exist between different sectors of the economy;
to balance properly any increases in output,
with advances in services provided to citizens,
especially by public authority. (79)
Mater et Magistra,
Pope John XX111, 1961
The world we are part of today, asks each person to review seriously the way in which we prepare
for a Federal Election. Today, all people of good will yearn for the values of justice, a fair deal for all,
human decency and compassion within leadership. We want to leave the legacy of a just, peaceful
and sustainable world for future generations.At this time of an election we are invited to ask ourselves
• Who are the people about whom Jesus would be most concerned at this time?
• How do we show respect and care for our planet earth and for the whole of Creation?
Mark Peel, a Melbourne social researcher puts it this way: ‘
The people in the present to whom we now need to listen
are those who have already lost the most …
who have paid a price – in blasted hopes and dreams –
for the comforts of others.
We need to listen, not simply out of sympathy or compassion,
but because they have much to tell us.
‘Losers’ know things about the world that winners don’t.
There are things that being privileged doesn’t teach you.
From the lowest rung, you see things
that aren’t visible from the top or the centre.
Dr Mark Peel,
‘The Forgotten Lessons of the Past: Housing, Security and Justice’
We trust that this Kit will assist you to consider which Parties/candidates would be most likely to
work for structures and policies which would support these values and a sustainable way of living on
earth. A real challenge for us all.VOTING FOR COMPASSION AND COURAGE
A FAIR DEAL FOR ALL
NetAct
LIST OF PAPERS
1. Aboriginal Justice
2. Aboriginal Juvenile Justice
3. ABC
4. Asylum Seekers and Refugees
5. Budget
6. Caring for our Common Home
7. Education
8. Foreign Aid
9. Housing and Homelessness
10. Right to a Fair Trial – Witness K and Bernard Collaery
11. Uluru Statement of the Heart
12. West PapuaNetAct NetAct Your voice strengthens our voice
VOTING FOR COMPASSION AND COURAGE
ABORIGINAL JUSTICE
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
As the ‘first peoples’ of Australia, Health: There is still a seventeen- Aboriginal people continue to
Indigenous people hold a unique year difference between the life experience lower socio-economic
status in this land, which is not often expectancy of indigenous and non- outcomes than other Australians, as
acknowledged. indigenous Australians. well as significant levels of
discrimination.
Genuine equality for indigenous Education: There has been an
peoples, as a basic human right, improvement in Year 12 according Imbalance in media reporting helps
requires an acknowledgement of to the 2019 Closing the Gap Report. to ignite underlying racism,
their unique identity and cultural Retention rates offer an important (including institutionalised racism),
heritage, and an active recognition base for the future. which still exists in our nation.
of cultural differences.
Housing and Unemployment: Ongoing mandatory sentencing,
The Constitution of a democratic Serious problems in both areas imprisonment for fine defaults,
nation enshrines and safeguards continue throughout all Aboriginal "paperless" arrest laws, tough bail
the rights and dignity of its ‘First communities, with ongoing and parole conditions and punitive
Nations Peoples’, and collaboration generational effects. sentencing regimes all contribute to
between Government and high incarceration rates, along with
Services: Inadequate policing,
Indigenous people is essential to funding cuts to frontline legal
roads, water, electricity, sewerage,
achieving this. services and inadequate resourcing
garbage disposal services are found
for much needed programs.
Self determination, as an effective across Indigenous communities –
policy (including prevention, early situations other Australian citizens
Debate continues around Treaty
intervention and social inclusion) would not tolerate.
and Constitutional Recognition,
offers the way forward in providing often politicised for electoral
real power to Indigenous people. Imprisonment: In the past decade,
advantage.
the incarceration rate for
Genuine reconciliation requires Indigenous men has more than
truthful acknowledgment of our The Federal Government’s current
doubled; Indigenous youth now
approach to Indigenous affairs is its
past history. comprise more than 50 per cent of
centralised, ‘top-down’ approach.
juveniles in detention (despite being
The contentious issue of the
Everyone is entitled to the only 3% of the population); for
cashless welfare card is
enjoyment of human rights without Indigenous women, the rate of
symptomatic of this. There is little
discrimination of any kind, imprisonment is accelerating even
consideration of the stigma,
(including on the basis of race). faster – a 74% increase in the past
disempowerment, and punitive
15 years.
perceptions experienced by
communities against the possible
Imbalance in media reports:
benefits of such a program.
Unbalanced media reporting
reinforces the stereotyping and Politicians lack the will to make
negative images of Indigenous indigenous issues a priority.
people, with very little reporting of Successful programs are often
the success stories, or the culture terminated because of short term
and strength of leadership in many funding and selective choosing of
men and women. Indigenous leaders.WHAT CAN WE DO WHAT CAN WE DO
POLITICALLY? PERSONALLY?
We have our heroes.
WE CAN LOBBY CANDIDATES: Inform ourselves about the issues Albert Namatjira painted the
pertaining to ongoing soul of this nation.
To engage in a bi-partisan, formal discrimination and racism around
collaboration with Indigenous Vincent Lingiari
Treaty and Constitutional Change
peoples on matters affecting their put out his hand for Gough
social, cultural and economic Invite representatives from “the Whitlam to pour the sand of his
interests, as well as their political Aboriginal community” to lead a country and say,
status within the nation discussion about issues related to ‘this is my country.’
Constitutional change Cathy Freeman lit the torch
To convince sympathetic politicians
of the Olympic games.
that substantive constitutional Engage formally and with family
change and structural reform, can and friends in the consultations
enable this ancient sovereignty to But every time we are lured
regarding both Treaty and
shine through as a fuller expression Constitutional Change
into the light,
of Australia’s nationhood we are mugged by the darkness
Promote a more balanced of this country’s history.
To advance consultation and approach in reporting (to eliminate Of course, racism is killing
decisions related to Constitutional discriminatory coverage and the Australian Dream.
Change and Treaty to empower encourage education on current
Indigenous people to take a rightful realities) It is self evident that it’s killing
place in their own country – where
they have the power of their own the Australian dream.
Promote Diversionary/culturally
destiny and their children can But we are better than that.
appropriate programs that work
flourish. (Uluru Statement from the with young people to detect signs of
Heart) problem behaviour to help divert The people who stood up and
young people from entering, or re- supported Adam Goodes and
To entrench a vote for both entering the juvenile justice system. said, ‘no more;’
government and civil society so that This requires adequate funding, they are better than that.
meaningful involvement in guaranteed for the long term and The people who marched
decisions will be guaranteed subject to independent review. across the bridge for
To introduce effective long-term Develop a bipartisan and reconciliation;
strategies to eliminate community approach to innovative they are better than that.
disadvantage, and ensure the juvenile justice. My wife who is not Indigenous
provision of adequate, recurrent is better than that.
funding without unfair conditions FOR MORE INFORMATION
https://www.referendumcouncil.or And one day, I want to stand
To ensure that all legislation, here and be able to say as
g.au/sites/default/files/2017-
policies and programs are proudly
05/Uluru_Statement_From_The_H
consistent with international
eart_0.PDF and sing as loudly
human rights standards and that Justreinvest.org.au
accountability procedures are in as anyone else in this room,
www.hreoc.gov.au Australians all, let us rejoice.
place. www.antar.org.au Stan Grant
www.oxfam.org.au
To develop a sound framework, www.acsjc.org.au
which is people-centred and which www.erc.org.au
recognises the social and cultural
diversity of First Nations Peoples
To build on the large body of
research already completed, and
ensuring accountability, prior to the A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and Educational Agencies
institution of new studies 14 Yerrick Rd Lakemba NSW 2195. Jan.Barnett@sosj.org.au
Your voice strengthens our voiceVOTING WITH COMPASSION AND COURAGE
ABORIGINAL JUVENILE IMPRISONMENT
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
Everyone is entitled to the Numbers in Custody Putting young offenders in custody
enjoyment of human rights without Aboriginal young people (aged 10 is both expensive and ineffective.
discrimination of any kind, to 25) remain the most over- More than half released from
including on the basis of race. represented group in our prison detention will re-offend. Detention
population. Half of our juvenile also intensifies the need for greater
Genuine equality for indigenous justice population is Aboriginal support post-release.
citizens, as a basic human right, despite only making up 3% of the
requires an acknowledgement of general population. Prison has a ripple effect on every
their unique identity and cultural family, especially if the member in
heritage, and an active recognition Evidence prison was supporting the family.
of cultural differences. We know that those most likely to
end up in custody are poor; Policy based solely on law and
The principles of prevention, early Aboriginal; with some disability; order results in demands for more
intervention and social inclusion have experienced abuse or trauma; detention centres at considerable
are fundamental to decision- have a parent who has been in cost, and with consequent cutting
making and service delivery. prison; are homeless; have of costs to other services.
problems with alcohol or other
Effective policy minimises the drugs. There is evidence to show The ‘political necessity’ to appear
alienation and marginalisation of that an Indigenous juvenile is far tough on crime means that
people. more likely to be taken into custody governments have invested little in
than a non-Aboriginal person guilty alternative measures or programs.
Justice Reinvestment with its focus of the same offence.
on prevention and rehabilitation, Not only does the “law and order”
leads to community based and Reasons for increases in numbers approach not deter crime, but the
restorative justice programs, which The Bureau of Crime Statistics cost to keep a juvenile in custody is
record lower rates of re-offending. confirms that increased numbers in excess of $150,000 a year.
are the consequence of poverty
and tougher bail and sentencing It is clear then, that there exist two
We need to be clear, when they policies. policy goals in conflict. We want to
talk about 'tough on crime' they reduce the rate of juvenile
mean 'tough on Aboriginal Limitations of the Bail Acts Aboriginal imprisonment, yet we
The Bail Acts across Australia have use imprisonment as the main
people'.
Vickie Roach, Yuin Nation, Women's never reflected the interests of any means towards that end, despite
prison rights advocate young people, and are more numerous studies showing that it
onerous for indigenous juveniles. doesn’t achieve that goal.
We cannot flee persecution to Their limitations have been
another country because we are exacerbated by ongoing
spiritually connected to our own amendments. Though the Bail
ancestral lands. So jails and Amendment Act 2014 required the
mental institutions are full of bail authority to regard the
our people. ‘presumption of innocence and the
Wadjularbinna Nullyarimma, general right to liberty’, the
Gungalidda Elder and member of presumption of innocence has been
Aboriginal Tent Embassy gradually eroded.WHAT CAN WE DO WHAT CAN WE DO AS A
POLITICALLY? COMMUNITY?
WE CAN LOBBY CANDIDATES: WE CAN BEGIN CONVERSATIONS
PHILOSOPHY OF JUST
To improve the quality of legal Research internationally has shown REINVEST
help available to young people so clearly that reducing poverty and
that they are able to articulate their all that goes with it will reduce
defence in the culturally foreign GIVE THEM A LIFE
crime and ultimately the number of
environment of a courtroom NOT LIFE IN PRISON
people in gaols. An approach that
builds skills and resilience is Just Reinvest NSW is committed
To change the bail acts to ensure to addressing the overrepresentation
ultimately more cost effective than
that juvenile-specific criteria
spending $500 per day to keep a of Aboriginal young people
override the inflexible and punitive
child locked up. in custody.
provisions of bail and repeat
offenders’ legislation
Diversionary, properly funded and
culturally appropriate programs
WE CAN UNLOCK THE
To adopt a bipartisan approach
that makes a commitment to that work with young people to PATHWAY TO CHANGE
reinvesting funds into programs detect signs of problem behaviour Homelessness, child abuse, disability,
such as the community-based can help divert young people from high-risk drug
model being advocated by Just entering, or re-entering the juvenile and alcohol use,
Reinvest, a program ideally suited justice system.
poor school attendance,
to the particular circumstances of a lack of appropriate services;
Over-representation of Indigenous
Indigenous communities
youth in the criminal justice system violence, discrimination and poverty
To reinvest a percentage of funds is a national crisis to which all all act as precursors to young people
that would have been spent on law governments must respond. All becoming entrenched
and order into early intervention, jurisdictions must address the root in the criminal justice system.
crime prevention and diversionary causes of Indigenous disadvantage,
These issues are difficult
programs, thus creating savings in and rehabilitate young Indigenous
people currently in the system. for Aboriginal young people
the criminal justice system. Such
programs could reduce offending to manage without help.
Evidence-based policy can no
and re-offending rates by assessing
longer be passed over in favour of
problems facing particular BUILD THEM A
short-term political gains. We do
communities, and diverting funds BRIGHTER FUTURE
not need another “law and order”
into areas, which can be tracked We aim to influence
election.
and reinvested
the New South Wales Government
There is need for better trained to shift spending
To invest in policies to keep all and culturally informed police and
young people out of the criminal that has been allocated for prisons
judiciary, properly resourced legal
justice system and change the focus defence services, and working towards community-based programs
in youth detention centres to alternatives to incarceration. and services
support and rehabilitation as a that address the factors
priority FOR MORE INFORMATION
that contribute to criminal
Justreinvest.org.au
To expand education in all juvenile behaviour in young people.
Australian Indigenous Law Review
detention centres to overcome the
2010, Vol.14, Number 1.
negative consequences on both
education and outcomes and Bail laws, ‘The Law Report,’
facility management for young http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lawreport/
people in detention stories/2010/3072759.htm -
www.antar.org.au/nsw
to invest in preventative and
restorative programs. A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and Educational Agencies
14 Yerrick Rd Lakemba NSW 2195. Jan.Barnett@sosj.org.au
Your voice strengthens our voiceIT’S OUR ABC
PROTECTING THE PUBLIC BROADCASTER
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? WHAT ARE THE
EFFECTS?
A properly funded ABC, which FUNDING CUTS
provides accurate informa4on The 2019 budget assists news
and honest analysis, is essen4al ABC funding is 30% less than the gathering, but does not address
to the func4oning of democracy levels of three decades ago. The the need for stability of
in Australia. ABC receives much less government opera4on, even in the near
support than most public future.
The right to legi4mate cri4cism broadcasters interna4onally.
and dissent is integral to a
democra4c society and should Despite an announcement of a $7.1 Dras4c cuts have reduced staff
be reflected in the na4onal billion surplus and $158 billion in and programming capacity. Since
broadcaster. tax cuts, the 2019 Federal Budget 2014 there have been over 1000
provides nothing more to the ABC. redundancies. Australian drama
The commitment of the ABC is The assured three years’ funding of on ABC has decreased by 25%.
to the public interest. It is free $43.7 million is minimal.
of the commercial impera4ves
of the rest of the media, which Commentary, documentaries,
serves the economic interests of POLITICAL INTERFERENCE music, religious affairs, language,
owners, shareholders and local, shortwave, rural, cultural
adver4sers. The ABC board has been poli4cised, and regional services have all
as it is appointed by the been severely cut during the
Australia has among the highest government of the day. same period.
rates of concentrated media
ownership in the world. As that A 2018/2019 Senate Inquiry into
trend is growing, the ques4ons of poli4cal interference in Threats to editorial
maintenance of the ABC is the ABC resulted in a final report independence reduce
essen4al to media diversity. split down party lines. transparency and accountability.
The ABC, through its cultural The Coali4on's antagonism towards
programs and programs linking Honest repor4ng requires in-
the ABC echoes that of right-wing depth ques4oning and analysis.
all parts of Australia, is essen4al media. Commentators, columnists
to our evolving na4onal and radio hosts join in unbalanced
iden4ty. aZacks on the ABC. These rants The relentless hos4lity of some
have been described as "Boringly commercial media and their
Radio Australia is one of repe44ve. Dripping with poison”.
Australia’s most effec4ve means influence on government has
of contribu4ng accurate resulted in undue official
informa4on. In an era of “fake Poli4cal and philosophical pressure on the ABC to refrain
news’ this capacity is becoming differences do not completely from such scru4ny. Thus it has
more important. account for this nega4ve focus. The failed to deliver adequate
commercial interests of privately analysis, e.g. re asylum seekers,
The ABC promotes legi4mate owned media see in the ABC a Manus and Nauru, West Papua.
advocacy, principles of challenge to their interests.
development and democracy in
South-east Asia and elsewhere.
The opposi4on to the ABC is at root
about compe44on, profit and
More than 80% of Australians
greed.
trust the ABC, compared to
57% trust of commercial media.WHAT DO WE WANT? WHAT CAN WE DO WHAT CAN WE DO
POLITICALLY? PERSONALLY?
1. AN INDEPENDENT ABC
Applica4ons for Chair and Board Read Senator Tim Storer's Watch the ABC.
must be sought publicly. speech in Parliament on the ABC. Listen to ABC Radio.
Applicants to be interviewed and
selected by a mul4-party Congratulate him by using this Learn the facts.
commiZee from both Federal
contact form..
Houses of Parliament. Those List advantages of the ABC.
appointed must have some
knowledge of broadcas4ng. Contact your Senators and
Join Friends of the ABC
(Such is not currently required.) Federal MP:
hZp://www.aph.gov.au/ Share concerns on social media.
Senators_and_Members/
Members
2. APPROPRIATE ABC FUNDING
Restora4on of funding to the ABC Demand independence for the
at the levels, in real terms, being ABC, an end to poli4cal
received in the late 1980’s. interference and appropriate
funding.
An end to the outsourcing of
drama, comedy and science Contact the media. Make known
programs. In house produc4ons your thoughts clearly, briefly and
give the ABC control over its regularly.
produc4ons. There is no proof www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au
that outsourcing is any cheaper
or beZer than in-house
produc4on.
An end to the sale of any more
ABC property.
3. SUPPORT OF THE ABC
CHARTER
Poli4cal and financial support of
the ABC to fulfil its mandate in
this digital age.
Preserva4on of the ABC from the
commercial compe44on and Fiona Katauskas
aZacks.
Eureka Street
Support of the ABC to undertake
changes necessary to bring the
best of radio and television to all
of its networks in ci4es and the
regions.
Recogni4on that, in a democracy,
the na4onal broadcaster’s job is
that of cri4c.
A Project of Catholic Social Justice,
Acceptance by all sides of poli4c
that when reporters ask Welfare and Educational Agencies
poli4cians hard ques4ons they 14 Yerrick Rd Lakemba NSW 2195.
are asking the people’s susan.connelly@sosj.org.au
ques4ons.
Your voice strengthens our voice
www.nicholsoncartoons.com.auVOTING FOR COMPASSION AND COURAGE
JUSTICE FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
All members of the human family ASYLUM SEEKERS ASYLUM SEEKERS
have equal dignity and inalienable The Australian Government has It is clear that
rights as human beings. violated its treaty obligations: • Abuse has occurred
• detaining people in onshore • Refugees have died in offshore
In signing the 1951 Refugee and offshore detention centres prisons
Convention, Australia has for months and years without • Appropriate action has not
acknowledged that states: hope or future been taken
• Shall not impose penalties, on • abdicating responsibility for • Abuse is institutionalised
account of their illegal entry, on those seeking protection by through bipartisan consensus.
refugees coming directly from a shunting them to off-shore By outsourcing its responsibilities
territory where their life or islands under the rule of for people fleeing for their lives, the
freedom was threatened foreign countries. Australian Government has failed
(Article 31); • keeping babies, children and to honour its obligations:
• Shall accord to refugees families in conditions which • to establish relevant human
lawfully staying in their threaten health and security rights standards
territory the same treatment • violating the UN provisions for • to act when complaints have
with respect to assistance as is the protection of asylum been made,
accorded to their nationals seekers, the care of children • to oversee the behaviour of the
(Article 23); and the rights of all people. company to whom it has
• Shall issue to refugees lawfully • Violating human rights by outsourced the responsibility of
staying in their territory travel forcibly removing families from Detention Centres.
documents for travel outside homes, re-detaining asylum • To protect those moved to
their territory (Article 28). seekers and threatening and transit centres on Manus
carrying out forced returns to • To resettle all asylum seekers
The Convention on the Rights of the country of origin, to face within a reasonable time frame
Child prohibits arbitrary detention imprisonment and torture • To release all children
of children except as a last resort
and for the shortest appropriate REFUGEES REFUGEES
period of time (Article 37). It There have been significant • There have been delays in access
protects the right of children to changes to the determination of to citizenship
remain under the care of their refugee status: • There has been denial of access
parents (Article 18), and recognises • the re-introduction of to further education for those
children’s right to education (Article Temporary Protection Visas and on Temporary Protection Visas.
28). the removal of government- • SRSS is resulting in up to
funded legal assistance 12,000 people seeking asylum
• the 2018 re-assessment of being stripped of financial
”We can’t deter Status Resolution Support support and essential services
people fleeing for Services for those deemed to • The Job active program is not
their lives. They will be “Work Worthy” with cuts to meeting the needs of refugees
come. The choice we financial assistance and loss of • Refugees with disabilities are not
have is how well we accommodation. receiving prompt and
manage their arrival, appropriate access to services
and how humanely.” • There is on-going stress caused
Antonio Guterres, UN by the denial of family
High Commissioner reunions.
(
AWHAT CAN WE DO To expedite the processing of Promote a more humane and
POLITICALLY? citizenship applications as a matter sophisticated approach to
of urgency discussions, recognising that human
Both major parties say they will rights must underpin decisions that
maintain offshore processing, To reinstate Government-funded are made
offshore detention, third country legal assistance
resettlement and boat turnbacks. Engage in reflection on relevant
It is incumbent on us to continue to To peel back the extra discretionary questions, e.g. use of scapegoating,
advocate for greater justice for powers given to the Immigration The role and responsibility of
refugees Minister that allow him to cancel ordinary citizens
visas, detain or re-detain asylum
WE CAN LOBBY CANDIDATES FOR seekers without warning, send Invite guest speakers who can lead
A SHIFT IN AUSTRALIA’S POLICY: them to offshore detention and a discussion on the rights of asylum
prevent reviews of visa decisions seekers and refugees, and on the
To honour our commitment to the without proper procedure. current realities and injustices
UN Refugee Convention, and being suffered
commit to UN provisions for the ”A person’s dignity does
protection of asylum seekers, the not depend on their Assist in practical ways – financially,
care of children and the rights of all being a citizen, migrant as a volunteer, through prayer, and
or a refugee. Saving the companionship/sponsorship.
To abandon the policy of offshore life of someone fleeing
processing and boat turn backs war and poverty is an FOR MORE INFORMATION
act of humanity.” Pope
To amend legislation to ensure Francis Australian Human Rights Commission
regular transparent review of on- www.humanrights.gov.au/
shore detention to protect human (
Refugee Council of Australia
rights and to prevent situations of WHAT CAN WE DO A
www.refugeecouncil.org.au/
indefinite detention PERSONALLY? n
t Australian Catholic Social Justice
To increase negotiations with other WE CAN o Council
countries towards an agreed Raise the issues in conversation n www.acsjc.org.au#
regional solution, which recognises with friends, with an emphasis on i
Australia’s obligations people in greatest need o ACOSS:
www.acoss.org.au
To increase the refugee Ensure our friends and relatives G
resettlement program to an annual have an accurate understanding of u St Vincent de Paul Society:
intake of 30,000 places, over the the difference between the www.vinnies.org.au#
t
next 4 years Governments immigration policy
e
versus Australia’s asylum seeker
r
To take special note of the plight of intake (The 2017/18 permanent
r
the Rohingya people immigration intake was 190,000 per
annum. By contrast, the annual
e
To take special note of the plight of refugee resettlement program is
s
Syrian refugees less than 10% of this permanent ,
immigration figure)
To develop a new approach to U
humanitarian family reunion, N
reducing existing processing times
for family reunion applications H
i
To abandon the reintroduction of g
temporary protection and convert h
all temporary visas into permanent A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and Educational
protection visas. C Agencies
o 2195. Jan.Barnett@sosj.org.au
14 Yerrick Rd Lakemba NSW
mAT THE SERVICE OF GREATER JUSTICE
THE BUDGET 2019
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
The Federal Government plays an The Government has promised big The effects of growing inequality
important role in maintaining social tax breaks in this budget, but like are real and corrosive in society,
cohesion and guaranteeing equity the past three, this budget and the budgets of the past three
in the community. continues to favour upper middle years have reinforced this trend.
class and wealthy Australians, with
Distributive justice recognises that few long-term benefits for those on This budget continues Australia’s
the burdens of the community are the lowest incomes: record as a relatively low taxing
to be shared and reflect the reality • People on $200,000 will get over and spending nation compared to
that different members of society $224 a week, other OECD countries.
have varying abilities to contribute. • People on $50k will get $23 a
week, This budget equates the common
The Government plays a direct role • People on $25,000 (on pensions) good with the interests of affluent
in redistributing the wealth in get a one-off payment of $75 and well-off investors, and in a
society towards those in greatest (equivalent to $1.40pw), lesser way with small business.
need. The budget plays a vital role • People on $15,000 (on Newstart) Everything else, such as a welfare
in this redistribution. suffer unconscionable injustice system, health, education and
• Foreign aid has been reduced yet wages, are seen as cost burdens to
An effective taxation system again (to 0.21% rather than 0.7%) be kept strictly under control.
encourages socially and
environmentally responsible There has been little in this budget Every piece of evidence has
outcomes. to improve the situation for the 3 demonstrated a severe
million people in poverty, the disadvantage for low income
Federal revenue raised from taxes 116,427 homeless people on the Australians while the largesse is
supports vital social services and streets, nor for the 190,000 on the reserved for those who are wealthy.
contributes to the provision of queue for social housing.
services by State Governments. There seem to be two targets in the
The tax breaks for those who are Coalition budget:
An effective system encourages wealthy will result in less being 1. The most vulnerable members
balanced and sustainable growth, available for schools, hospitals, aged of society – especially
in order to maintain current living care, community support agencies, • young unemployed people,
standards, and increase the living and environmental initiatives. • single parents,
standards of those less well off. It • low-paid families
collects sufficient revenue to allow Little effort is made to address • Those needing medical
the Government to maintain multinational corporate tax attention,
funding commitments and expand avoidance or the lack of effective • Aboriginal people,
commitments where necessary. resource rent taxes (e.g. oil and gas • people with disabilities
industry). Michael West • Part-time and casual
An effective budget encourages job workers
creation. “The vacuousness of this
year's budget is matched 2. The government's ideological
Effective tax cuts to those who are only by the viciousness of targets:
poor drives economic growth. the inequality it • the ABC,
entrenches.” • the CSIRO,
• renewable energy sector,
John Falzon • foreign aid.WHAT CAN WE DO WHAT CAN WE DO
POLITICALLY? PERSONALLY?
We live in a post trickle-down
WE CAN LOBBY CANDIDATES: WE CAN
theory world, where people are
To strengthen the tax system to Develop a habit and culture of sensitised to government-enabled
ensure that those who can afford to looking at the taxation system as our corporate excesses and have
contribute do so, that the policy contribution to a fair deal for all, legitimate reason to doubt whether
encourages growth, offers rather than a tax burden. elected officials are capable and
taxpayers value for money, is fair to willing to serve their interests.
all and prioritises support for those Inform ourselves about the impact
who need it of the budget and about the causes
and results of policies of the past ten The lesson from the federal
Use the budget to target those in years. budgets of the past five years is
need – to avoid blaming the victim. that there are non-negotiables
Raise the issues in conversation with around the function of government
To develop a robust safety net for friends, with an emphasis on people to provide the conditions that
those unable to continue to work in greatest need
due to poor health or disability ensure the flourishing of all.
Promote a more sophisticated
To commit to removal of wasteful approach to budget analysis, which The credibility test for political
resources on subsidies and tax recognises that a fair deal must parties – and the central question
breaks for polluting industries underpin decisions that are made around fiscal policy – is no longer
about economic growth, but
To take resolute action on corporate growth for whom
tax avoidance
“A smaller government reflecting
To commit to reforming negative the needs of the middle class and
gearing and upper-class welfare poor is superior to a big
government reflecting the needs of
To strengthen again the support for the privileged and powerful.”
regulatory agencies and statutory
bodies to ensure the enforcement (Robert Reich)
of just regulations FOR MORE INFORMATION
Top 40 Tax Dodgers for 2019:
https://www.michaelwest.com.au
ACOSS:
“Paying a lot of www.acoss.org.au
taxes
just means you make St Vincent de Paul Society:
www.vinnies.org.au#
a lot of money,
and it is hard, Australian catholic social Justice
frankly, Council
to complain about www.acsjc.org.au#
that.”
Wealthy CEO
A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and Educational Agencies
14 Yerrick Rd Lakemba NSW 2195. Jan.Barnett@sosj.org.au
Your voice strengthens our voiceCARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME
RESPONSIBILITY FOR EARTH
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
All forms of life – plant, animal and The Government continues to Australia currently has an economy
human – are fundamentally support the fossil fuel industries, that depends on over-consumption
interconnected and inter- despite the Paris Agreement The of energy, with the world’s highest
dependent. 2019 budget includes an extra $1.8 average emissions per person.
billion in subsidies, bringing it to $9
The conservation of the earth’s billion a year by 2023. Our current production and
resources is vital for our own and consumption of non-renewable
the planet’s survival. Climate change continues to resources i.e. coal and oil, is
exacerbate issues of water, floods, increasing exponentially.
Future generations have a right to fire and drought, devastating the
inherit a healthily functioning and country and livelihoods. Australia is the world’s largest coal
bio-diverse environment. exporter, and if Adani goes ahead, it
Governments refuse to ban the will have the largest mine.
All elements of the environment Adani Mine, which is anticipated to
have intrinsic value, irrespective of produce 2.3 billion tonnes of coal Extreme weather events and
the extent to which they can be over the 60-year lease period. The increasing temperatures have
utilised by humans. approval of the Groundwater plan serious social, economic and health
poses a direct danger to aquifers of consequences, including serious
The water cycle is part of a broader the Great Artesian Basin. displacement of populations.
ecosystem on which our food and
industry depends and access to safe, The Great Barrier Reef is suffering Mining has taken water from rural
clean water is a basic right for the worst coral-bleaching event in supplies, contributed to pollution,
humans and other species. its history. and threatened rock structures.
There needs to be a balance The Report of the Murray-Darling The privatisation of water supply
between the priorities of Basin Royal Commission describes has led to decreased water security
environmental needs and social and the maladministration and and also removed government
economic costs. negligence which has led to mass responsibility for essential rights.
fish kills and devastation of the
Protection of environmental river system. Current laws are failing to protect
resources is fundamental to a rivers, vanishing wildlife, reefs and
healthy environment. Waterways are being forests, and enable companies to
contaminated by run-off from pollute with little responsibility to
Australia owes it to the global businesses using chemically-based repair damage.
community to support the Paris fertilisers and pesticides.
Agreement.
The proposal that S.A. build a For people it is
nuclear waste dump on Aboriginal convenient not to act.
“What we are doing to land, encapsulates the priority of We have to make it
the environment is but a economics over the environment. inconvenient for them
mirror reflection of what not to act. Nothing
we are doing to ourselves changes until the pain
and to one another.” of not acting is high
― Chris Maser enough.’ Anote Tong,WHAT DO WE WANT? WHAT CAN WE DO WHAT CAN WE DO
POLITICALLY? PERSONALLY?
1. Reduction of reliance on fossil
and nuclear fuels and There are significant points of 1. Challenge with friends and
conversion to renewable, cost- difference between the major family the limitations of the
effective energy based on wind, parties. This is an area where voters jobs and growth mantra
solar and tidal technologies can hope to influence policies.
2. Carry out an energy audit to find
2. A new framework of national We can lobby candidates
where energy consumption
laws and Integration of 1. To commit to the removal of
could be reduced
legislation which ensures wasteful resources on tax
strategic planning and breaks and subsidies for 3. Contribute to cleaner water by
development outcomes, which polluting industries not using cleaning products
are environmentally, socially
containing phosphates and
and economically sustainable 2. To commit to strategies of rapid chemicals
emissions reduction and a
3. An independent national transition from fossil fuels to 4. Expand the use of solar
Environmental Protection renewable energy, in order to
Authority to promote keep the 1.5 limit within reach 5. Implement recycling and
regulation, better science and composting
data collection, and a more 3. To prioritise and fund clean,
strategic, transparent approach safe and affordable public and 6. At community events, replace
to environmental issues private electric transport disposable cups, plates and
cutlery with washable or
4. Restoration of healthy rivers 4. To institute greater flows of compostable items
particularly the Murray-Darling finance for adaptation and
system through co-operation loss/damage 7. Encourage faith communities to
between the Federal reduce emissions and to
Government and other States to 5. To call for fossil fuel divestment support and stand in solidarity
implement and improve the across organisations and with communities already
Murray Darling Basin Plan communities impacted by climate change
5. Greater water efficiency 6. To promote strong policies that 8. Encourage conversation around
• Technology in sympathy will ensure alignment and electric vehicles
with natural ecosystems- so coordination of regulatory
that water is used several frameworks across all levels to
times without depriving its Creation is not a property, which
Australia’s Paris Commitment.
ecosystem uses we can rule over at will; or, even
• Continued retro-fitting of less, is the property of only a
FOR MORE INFORMATION
homes with water-efficient few: Creation is a gift, it is a
shower heads, toilets, tanks The Climate Institute: wonderful gift that God has
and recycled water www.climateinstitute.org.au given us, so that we care for it
Catholic Earthcare Australia: and we use it for the benefit of
6. A moratorium imposed on Coal all, always with great respect
www.catholicearthcareoz.net
Seam Mining extraction until a and gratitude.
precautionary, considered and Coal Seam Gas Mining
Pope Francis
integrated strategy is developed www.nwc.gov.au/www/html/2959-
– one which includes coal-seam-gas.asp?intSiteID=1
community consultation and OzGreen
independent scientific input. www.ozgreen.org
A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and Educational Agencies
14 Yerrick Rd Lakemba NSW 2195. Jan.Barnett@sosj.org.au
Your voice strengthens our voiceVOTING FOR COMPASSION AND COURAGE
JUSTICE FOR EDUCATION
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
It is our belief that education is the Educational Standards Impact of falling standards
right of every child. Australian students have not • Educational trends have led to
improved their achievement on an emphasis on standardised
All students have the right to international tests for a decade, tests as the benchmark of a
equitable, intrinsically valuable, and are falling behind students in school’s standards.
and accessible education. other advanced nations. Results in • Teacher shortage, particularly
international tests like PISA are in specific subject areas, is
Quality education for all students is declining and many children are exacerbated by the low status
a critical investment that Australia missing out at important of, and limited career paths in,
makes for its future. milestones before, during and after the teaching profession.
school (OECD 2018). (Deans of Education Study)
Parents have the primary right and
obligation to ensure the best Funding for All Funding
education for their children. The OECD 2018 Education at a Below average funding in schools,
Glance report has revealed that the as well as in early childhood, TAFE,
Both the Commonwealth and State Australian education sector falls Abstudy and in Adult Migrant
Governments play a critical role in below OECD averages in public Education Services have negatively
the provision of funding that is education funding, access to early impacted on students in
stable, long term and committed to childhood education, class sizes and disadvantaged groups, especially
all students. teacher workload. those in greatest need, and those
with the least powerful voices. The
An equitable distribution of Wedge Politics shift towards privatisation in areas
resources takes into particular The increasing use of wedge such as TAFE continues to
account the needs of students politics, through ideologically and undermine enrolments in
disadvantaged by social, economic, politically driven attempts to create vocational education.
cultural or physical factors. competition between sectors, has
led to the polarisation of Educational divide
The valuing of teachers leads educational sectors, rather than a Figures from the government’s
logically to the provision of united commitment by educational MySchool website show that
adequate resources for ongoing bodies to achieve adequate funding selective high schools are among
teacher education, remuneration, for all educational institutions. the most socio-educationally
and ongoing teacher development. advantaged, surpassing even
TAFE Education prestigious private schools.
Since being in Government, the
Coalition has cut $3 billion from Polarisation of sectors
vocational education and there are Continuation of competition
now 140,000 fewer apprentices between sectors detracts from
than when it was elected. advocacy for the adequate
Vocational education continues to provision of funding for all stages of
be privatised and TAFE schooling, from pre-school to post-
disempowered. compulsory education:WHAT CAN WE DO WHAT CAN WE DO
POLITICALLY? A century from now,
PERSONALLY?
what shall be said of our journey
WE CAN LOBBY CANDIDATES: Inform ourselves about standards in these times?
of education in Australia and about
To commit explicitly to the And who shall the shapers have been?
the causes and results of policies of
adequate provision of funding for the past ten years Who shall have shaped the future more?
all stages of schooling, from pre-
The hopeful dreamers
school to post-compulsory Support increased funding to all
education: who were strong enough
schools in conversation with
§ comparable to OECD standards friends, with an emphasis on to suffer for the dream?
§ targeting students who are students in greatest need Or the fearful pessimists
disadvantaged
§ ensuring that early childhood Promote a more sophisticated who were convinced
education is accessible and approach to education, which that dreaming and hope
affordable for the whole recognises that education is more
are for sleepers only,
community than basic skills testing
§ Affording adequately funded not for those awake to the age?
TAFE education Invite guest speakers who can lead A century from now,
§ providing equitable access to a discussion on the vision, aims and
new technologies (to overcome shall hope and humour
practice in education today.
the digital divide between the have been strong enough to enable living
information rich and the FOR MORE INFORMATION with unanswerable questions?
information poor)
§ compensating for differences National Catholic Education Or shall the pain
of social status, material Commission that a transitional age necessarily brings
wealth, geographic location https://www.ncec.catholic.edu.au
have caused a retreat to old answers
and resource levels among
Department of Education and Training that no longer acknowledge new
schools
https://www.education.gov.au
§ affording access to adequate questions?
health and welfare services so Australian Education Union A century from now,
that there is an effective
http://www.aeufederal.org.au
interface between education we shall have indeed journeyed …
and health and real journeyers know
To provide for the professional that the direction is always chosen
development of teachers to meet by those who make the journey.
rapidly changing demands and Who shall choose the direction?
increase the status of the teaching
profession. …So the question is still the same …
A century from now,
to reduce the commodification of
what shall be said
education, so that thinking about it
in a purely market and of our human journey in these times?
individualistic paradigm can be And who shall the shapers have been?
replaced by a view of education
Lilian Smith The Journey, 1954
that promotes both the individual
and the common good.
A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and Educational Agencies
14 Yerrick Rd Lakemba NSW 2195. Jan.Barnett@sosj.org.au
Your voice strengthens our voiceCHALLENGED TO COMPASSION AND COURAGE
HEALTH CARE FOR ALL
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
We believe that health is a social Health and socio-economic status Levels of health continue to
good that is basic to the fabric of Levels of health for Australians are disadvantage poorer Australians.
society, and that it is a increasingly dependent on socio- The lowest 20% of income earners
fundamental right of every person. economic status. experience the highest levels of
poor health outcomes. The
We believe that a properly funded, Frontline services budget reinforces this through the
universal health care system $182.2 million has been cut from cuts to health.
protects the rights of all. frontline health services through
reductions in funds which provide The freezing of the Medicare rebate
It is the responsibility of money for drug and alcohol means that over time, GPs will earn
Government to provide and fund treatment and illness prevention. relatively less, while their costs will
quality health care programs and increase.
services. Medicare
This budget extends the freeze on The current lack of collaboration
A system, funded from the Medicare rebate. between Federal and State
government, non-government and Governments, and the non-
private sources, is critical to quality Dental Health government sectors is exacerbating
care, based on equity, universality The government’s dental policy low outcomes.
and ease of access. takes over a billion dollars out of
the system and abolishes Medicare Indigenous Australians remain the
A person-centred system, rather funded dental care most disadvantaged group in
than one that is facility-centred, or Australia as measured by life
primarily based on profit-making, is Indigenous health expectancy, cardiovascular disease,
central to health as a social good. There is no funding for specific diabetes and access to services.
Aboriginal-controlled services and
Frail, chronically ill or marginalised programs. Evidence shows that mental illness
persons have special needs, and and substance dependency
any system that disadvantages Mental illness frequently co-exist. Integrated
those on the margins undermines The government has invested an treatment and rehabilitation
the rights of all. additional $461 million in youth facilities remain threatened.
mental health and suicide
Planning for adequate health and prevention, but there is still a huge Funding models and the demands
aged care infrastructures and gap in funding for services for acute of an ageing population continue to
services underpins services into and chronic issues. undermine infrastructures and
the future. services. Proposed cuts will impact
Rural and regional Australia particularly on smaller institutions.
Decreasing numbers of rural health
“When we have sold all our workers, and reduced access to Lack of adequate support for rural
healthcare, are critical issues. people and their carers are
public assets, where will
resulting in lower health outcomes.
future funds come from?
Government Funding
There has to be another Hospitals are being forced to cover Hospital funding remains
way at this time.” funding shortfalls by raising inadequate, despite promised
hundreds of millions of dollars in increases.
external revenue.WHAT CAN WE DO WHAT CAN WE DO
POLITICALLY? PERSONALLY?
The current debate over funding We can share ideas with our own
between Commonwealth and State family and community. MAY GOD BLESS US WITH
has thrown the health debate into DISCOMFORT
disarray. Increased funding is We can work with like-minded at easy answers, half-truths,
essential and cannot occur without groups. and superficial relationships,
collaboration. Patient care must so that we may live deep
never take second place to politics. We can investigate possibilities in within our hearts.
our area of influence and action.
WE CAN THEREFORE LOBBY MAY GOD BLESS US WITH
CANDIDATES: We can raise awareness of Health ANGER
issues by inviting Catholic Health at injustice, oppression,
• To commit to protection of the Australia and community advocates and exploitation of people,
Medicare System and practitioners to speak with us. so that we may work for economic
justice for all people.
• to commit to negotiation We can advocate with religious and
based on health and social community groups to investigate MAY GOD BLESS US WITH
needs, not political agenda realities and possibilities within TEARS
their own sectors (N.B. on any to shed for those who suffer
• to develop clear action plans given day, one in ten Australians in from pain, hunger, homelessness
that focus on preventative a hospital or aged care bed are
and rejection,
health care and reducing being cared for by a Catholic health
so that we may reach out
inequalities in health outcomes or aged care service).
our hand to comfort them
and services and to turn their pain into joy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
• To commit to the development AND MAY GOD BLESS US
of a mental health system that Catholic Health Care Services:
www.catholichealthcare.com.au
WITH ENOUGH
ensures access to mental health FOOLISHNESS
care, especially for homeless to believe that we can make
Catholic Health Australia:
people and those who find it a difference in the world
www.cha.org.au
difficult to engage with the so that we can do
health care system ACOSS: what others claim
www.acoss.org.au cannot be done.’
• To make access to aged care an
entitlement to those assessed St Vincent de Paul Society:
Source: Education for Justice
as needing it www.vinnies.org.au
• To broaden the criteria and Australian Catholic Social Justice
Council
services for rural and
www.acsjc.org.au
disadvantaged people
• to target Indigenous health as
a major priority
“Indigenous health is a
running sore at the
heart of our nation.”
Archbishop Coleridge
A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and Educational Agencies
14 Yerrick Rd Lakemba NSW 2195. Jan.Barnett@sosj.org.au
Your voice strengthens our voiceYou can also read
