2016 Cover Page - mnnews.todayVOTING FOR OUR VALUES A Fair Deal for All Australian Election 2016...

VOTING FOR OUR VALUES A Fair Deal for All

Australian Election 2016

NetAct Your voice strengthens our voice

AProjectofCatholicSocialJustice,WelfareandEducationalAgencies14YerrickRdLakemba2195Jan.Barnett@sosj.org.au

NetAct

INTRODUCTIONAswepreparefortheFederalElectionwecalltomindthevalues,whichwehopewillguideusatthistime–humandignity,humanrights,thecommongood,ecologicalresponsibility,afairdealforall,andpreferenceforthose‘made’poor.Weknowthatglobalwarming,theunprecedentednumberofpeopleseekingasylumaroundtheworld,inequality,andeconomicinjusticesareclearchallengesofourtime.IntheChristiangospel,Jesuscallsustoengagethesocietyinwhichweliveandtodowhatwecantotransformitinlinewiththevalues,whichheproclaimedbywordandexample.ForChristians,theworkofsocial transformation isnotanoptionalextra. ItstemsfromGod’sownpassionforthemarginalisedandsuffering.Anditinvolveseveryaspectofourlives.

‘Everythingisconnected.Concernfortheenvironmentthusneedstobejoinedtoasincereloveforourfellowhumanbeingsandanunwaveringcommitmenttoresolvingtheproblemsofsociety.’

LaudatoSiPopeFrancis2015

SuchfoundationalbeliefisintrinsictotheteachingoftheCatholicChurch

Consideringthecommongoodthefollowingpointsarerelevant:…toprovideemploymentforasmanyworkersaspossible;totakecarelestprivilegedgroupsariseevenamongsttheworkersthemselves;tomaintainabalancebetweenwagesandprices;tomakeaccessiblethegoodsandservicesforabetterlifetoasmanypersonsaspossible;eithertoeliminateortokeepwithinboundstheinequalitiesthatexistbetweendifferentsectorsoftheeconomy;tobalanceproperlyanyincreasesinoutput,withadvancesinservicesprovidedtocitizens,especiallybypublicauthority.(79)

MateretMagistra,PopeJohnXX111,1961

Theworldwearepartoftoday,askseachpersontore-viewseriouslythewayinwhichweprepareforaFederalElection.Today,allpeopleofgoodwillyearnforthevaluesofjustice,afairdealforall,equalityandhumandecencywithinleadership.Wewanttoleavethelegacyofajust,peacefulandsustainableworldforfuturegenerations.Atthistimeofanelectionweareinvitedtoaskourselves• WhoarethepeopleaboutwhomJesuswouldbemostconcernedatthistime?• HowdoweshowrespectandcareforourplanetearthandforthewholeofCreation?

NetAct

Voting for our Values A Fair Deal for All

MarkPeel,aMelbournesocialresearcherputsitthisway:‘

Thepeopleinthepresenttowhomwenowneedtolistenarethosewhohavealreadylostthemost…

whohavepaidaprice–inblastedhopesanddreams–forthecomfortsofothers.

Weneedtolisten,notoutofsympathyorcompassion,butbecausetheyhavemuchtotellus.

‘Losers’knowthingsabouttheworldthatwinnersdon’t.Therearethingsthatbeingprivilegeddoesn’tteachyou.

Fromthelowestrung,youseethingsthataren’tvisiblefromthetoporthecentre.

DrMarkPeel,‘TheForgottenLessonsofthePast:Housing,SecurityandJustice’

We trust that thisKitwill assist you to considerwhichParties/candidateswouldbemost likely toworkforstructuresandpolicieswhichwouldsupportthesevaluesandasustainablewayoflivingontheearth.Arealchallengeforusall.

VOTING FOR OUR VALUES

A fair Deal for All

LIST OF PAPERS

1. Asylum Seekers and Refugees

2. Coal Seam Gas

3. Climate Change and Sustainable Development

4. Constitutional Reform

5. Educating for Life

6. Health Care

7. Housing and Homelessness

8. Indigenous Australians: Justice for All

9. Taxation

10. Young People in Australia

11. Timor Sea Border

12. West Papua

NetAct

A Fair deal for Asylum Seekers

JUSTICE FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? All members of the human familyhave equal dignity and inalienablerightsashumanbeings.In signing the 1951 RefugeeConvention, Australia hasacknowledgedthatstatesshall:• not impose penalties, on

accountoftheirillegalentry,onrefugeescomingdirectlyfromaterritory where their life orfreedom was threatened(Article31);

• accord to refugees lawfullystaying in their territory thesametreatmentwithrespecttoassistance as is accorded totheirnationals(Article23);

• issue to refugees lawfullystaying in their territory traveldocuments for travel outsidetheirterritory(Article28).

TheConventionontheRightsoftheChild prohibits arbitrary detentionof children except as a last resortand for the shortest appropriateperiod of time (Article 37). Itprotects the right of children toremain under the care of theirparents(Article18),andrecogniseschildren’srighttoeducation(Article28).

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? ASYLUMSEEKERSThe Australian Government hasviolateditstreatyobligations:• detaining people in onshore

andoffshoredetention centresfor months and years withouthopeorfuture

• abdicating responsibility forthose seeking protection byshunting them to off-shoreislands under the rule offoreigncountries.

• keeping babies, children andfamilies in living conditionswhichthreatentheirhealthandsecurity

• violating the UN provisions forthe protection of asylumseekers, the care of childrenandtherightsofallpeople.

Both major parties say they willmaintain offshore detention andboatturnbacksREFUGEESThe number of people forciblydisplaced due to persecution,conflict, violenceandhuman rightsviolations is now at the highestlevelsinceWorldWarII.2015 in Australia was marked bythe implementation of dramaticchanges in Australia’s policy,affectingover30,000people intheAustralian community. Theseincludedsignificantchangestothedeterminationofrefugeestatus,the re-introduction of TemporaryProtection Visas and the removalofgovernment-fundedlegalassistance.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS? ASYLUMSEEKERSItisclear• thatabusehasoccurred• thatappropriateactionhasnot

beentaken• that by outsourcing its

responsibilities for peoplefleeing for their lives, theAustralian Government hasfailedtohonouritsobligations

• that abuse has beeninstitutionalised throughbipartisanconsensus.

TheGovernmenthasthusfailed:• to establish relevant human

rightsstandards• totakeactionwhencomplaints

havebeenmade,• tooverseethebehaviourofthe

company to whom it hasoutsourcedtheresponsibilityoftheDetentionCentre.

REFUGEESThere have been significant delaysinaccesstocitizenship.Therehasbeendenial of access tofurther education for those onTemporaryProtectionVisas.The Job active program is notmeeting the needs of refugeejobseekersResettled refugees with disabilitiesare not receiving prompt andappropriateaccesstoservicesThere is on-going stress caused bythe denial of family reunions torefugeeswhoarrivedbyboat.

”We can’t deter people fleeing for their lives. They will come. The choice we have is how well we manage their arrival, and how humanely.”

AntonioGuterres,UNHigh Commissioner

(A

WHAT CAN WE DO POLITICALLY?

WE CAN LOBBY CANDIDATESFOR A SHIFT IN AUSTRALIA’SPOLICY:

To honour our commitment to the

UN Refugee Convention, and

commit to UN provisions for the

protection of asylum seekers, the

careofchildrenandtherightsofall

To abandon the policy of offshore

processingandboatturnbacks

To amend legislation to ensure

regular transparent review of on-

shore detention to protect human

rights and to prevent situations of

indefinitedetention

Toincreasenegotiationswithother

countriestowardsaagreedregional

solution, which recognises

Australia’sobligations

To increase the refugee

resettlement program to 20,000

places in 2016-17 and expand the

program progressively in the

following four years towards an

annualprogramof30,000places

Totakespecialnoteoftheplightof

theRohingyapeople

To develop a new approach to

humanitarian family reunion,

reducing existing processing times

forfamilyreunionapplications

To abandon the reintroduction of

temporary protection and convert

all temporaryvisas intopermanent

protectionvisas.

To expedite the processing of

citizenshipapplicationsasamatter

ofurgency

To reinstate Government funded

legalassistance

WHAT CAN WE DO PERSONALLY?WECANRaise the issues in conversation

with friends, with an emphasis on

peopleingreatestneed

Engage in reflection on relevant

questions,e.g.useofscapegoating,

role and responsibility of ordinary

citizens

Promote a more sophisticated

approach to discussions,

recognisingthathumanrightsmust

underpindecisionsthataremade

Inviteguest speakerswhocan lead

a discussion the rights of asylum

seekers and refugees, and on the

current realities and injustices

beingsuffered

Assistinpracticalways–financially,

asavolunteer,throughprayer,and

companionship.

FORMOREINFORMATIONAustralian Human Rights

Commission

www.humanrights.gov.au/

RefugeeCouncilofAustralia

www.refugeecouncil.org.au/

Australian Catholic Social Justice

Council

www.acsjc.org.au#

ACOSS:

www.acoss.org.au

StVincentdePaulSociety:

www.vinnies.org.au#

A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and Educational Agencies 14 Yerrick Rd Lakemba NSW 2195. [email protected]

Your voice strengthens our voice

Gillian Triggs, in her reflection onRefugee Week, highlights thecontribution refugees make toAustralia

Refugee Week

is a wonderful opportunity

to celebrate

the major contribution

that refugees make to Australia.

These refugees have managed

to overcome significant obstacles,

to forge a new life for themselves

and their families in Australia.

Obstacles that most of us

in Australia

would find it difficult

to even contemplate.

Refugees risk their lives

to escape conflict and

persecution.

This requires incredible physical,

mental and emotional strength”.

A FAIR DEAL FOR EARTH

COAL SEAM GAS

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? Allformsoflife–plant,animalandhuman – are fundamentallyinterconnected and inter-dependent.Future generations have a right toinherit a healthily functioning andbio-diverseworld.

Thewatercycleispartofabroaderecosystem on which our food andindustry depends and access tosafe,cleanwaterisabasicrightforhumansandotherspecies

The conservation of the earth’sresources is vital for our own andtheplanet’ssurvival.

There needs to be a balancebetween the priorities ofenvironmental needs and socialand economic costs. Earth andpeople take precedence overprofits.

Protection of environmentalresources is fundamental to ahealthyenvironment.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? WorthofCSGThe CSG industry is worth manybillions and is growingexponentially, particularly in theeastern half of Australia. For thegovernment, it's a welcomebonanza.There isalso thepromiseof jobs in declining rural centresand of income from exports.Opponentsarguethattheseprofitsare taking precedence over thehealthoftheenvironment.ConflictoverlanduseCSG is often found beneath fertilesoil,creatingconflictoverlanduse.The Liverpool Plains has high CSGactivity, but it currently produces40%above thenational averageoffood per hectare and contributesapproximately$332million toGDPannually. The loss of this land toCSGwouldmeanthedestructionofprimefarmingsoilandanuncertainfutureforfoodproduction.EnvironmentalcontaminationOur ecosystem is a delicate one,with an unpredictable relationshipwithlandandwater.TheexpandingCSG industry represents a seriousthreat to theprecariousbalanceofourriversystems,farminglandandthefreshwateraquifersthatsupplymuchofourcleandrinkingwater.

ProvenDangersThere have been several majorspills of toxic water in the Pilligastate forest. Due to high levels ofarsenic, lead and salts, large areasoftreesandvegetationwerekilled.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS? Coal seam gas has emerged as amajorindustryinlittlemorethanadecade. There has been strongsupportbytheGovernmentfortheCSGindustryasitisamajorincomeearner. There are howeversignificant,well-foundedfears.Conservativeestimatessuggestcoalseam gas wells could draw 300gigalitresofwaterfromthegroundeachyear

This industry could produce asmuch greenhouse gas as all thecarsontheroadinAustralia?

Modelling suggests the industrycouldproduce31milliontonnesofwastesaltoverthenext30years?

In Oklahoma, since CSG miningbegan, the number of earthquakeshas leapt from an average of 2 ayearto567in2014Other Uncertainties continue toemerge• This is an industry, which is

inadequatelyresearched.• It is of only short-term benefit

yet potentially does long-termdamagetoourenvironment.

• Damageisdonebydrillingevenwhen there may be no returnofgas.

In summary, it seems that CSGexplorationtakeswaterfromruralsupplies, contributes to pollution,and threatens rock structure,includingaquifers.

‘Forpeopleitisconvenientnotto act. We have to make itinconvenient for them not toact.Nothingchangesuntil thepain of not acting is highenough.’

AnoteTong,PresidentoftheRepublicofKiribati.

WHAT CAN WE DO POLITICALLY? Contact election candidates by

phoneorwritetohim/her(aphone

callor letter isworth50signatures

onapetition).Askforoneormore

ofthefollowing:

1. Regulation, better science anddata collection, and a more

strategic, transparentapproach

toCSGexploration

2. Integrationoflegislationwhichensures that strategic

outcomes are environmentally

and socially, as well as

economically,sustainable

3. Greater commitment torenewable and cost-effective

energy based on wind, solar

andtidaltechnologies

4. Restoration of healthy riversparticularly the Murray-Darling

system through co-operation

between Federal and State

Governmentstoimplementthe

MurrayDarlingBasinPlan

5. Restrictions imposed on CoalSeamMiningextractionuntilaprecautionary, considered and

integrated strategy is

developed – one that includes

community consultation and

independentscientificinput.

WHAT CAN WE DO PERSONALLY?Without objective, scientifictransparent and accountabledecision-making processes it is

impossible to guarantee the safety

ofCSGexploration.

1. Geteducatedaboutthestatus

andpracticeofCSGmining

2. Discuss the issue with family

andfriends

3. Viewthemovies:GasLandandPromisedLand,

4. Join with others in your parish

or community and personally

meet with your local member

orcandidateasagroup.

5. JoinOzGreen“MyRiver

Project”whichmonitorsthe

healthofrivers,particularly,

theHunterandMurray-Darling

ForMoreInformationNSWWaterwww.water.nsw.gov.au/Home/default.

aspx

CoalSeamGasMiningwww.nwc.gov.au/www/html/2959-

coal-seam-gas.asp?intSiteID=1

OzGreenwww.ozgreen.org

ABC

www.abc.net.au/news/specials/coal-

seam-gas-by-the-numbers/

The National Toxics Network:

http://www.ntn.org.au/



Creationisnotaproperty,whichwecanruleoveratwill;or,evenless,isthepropertyofonlyafew:Creationisagift,itisawonderfulgiftthatGodhasgivenus,onethatwecareforitanduseforthebenefitofall,alwayswithgreatrespectandgratitude.

PopeFrancis

InLaudatoSi,

PopeFrancisacceptstheconsensual

conclusionsoftheclimatescientists:

thatthroughtheburningoffossilfuels

humanactioniscausingtheEarth

towarmdangerously;

thatthiswarming

hasalreadyinflictedgreatharm

andiscertain

toinflictcatastropheinthefuture,

especiallyonpoorerpeoples

andonfuturegenerations;

thatitwillpoisontheoceans,

transformlandsintodesert,

andleadtoatragiclossofbio-diversity;

andthatiftheeffectsofglobalwarming

aretobemitigated

thereisnoalternativetothespeedy

eliminationoffossilfuels

andtheembrace

ofrenewablesourcesofenergy.

AccordingtothePope,

“thiscenturymaywellwitness

extraordinaryclimatechange

andunprecedenteddestruction

ofeco-systems’.’

Indeed,becauseofitsfailure

toabandonfossilfuels

‘’thepost-industrialworldmaywellbe

rememberedasthemostirresponsiblein

humanhistory.”

RobertManne

A Fair Deal for Indigenous Australians

CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? As the ‘first peoples’ of Australia,AboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeopleholdauniquestatus in thisland, yet there is noConstitutionalacknowledgement of this, or oftheircontinuingcultures,languagesandheritage.Genuine equality for Indigenouscitizens requiresactive recognitionand acknowledgement of theirstatusandtheirculturalheritageasabasicinternationalhumanright.The Constitution of a democraticnation should enshrine andsafeguard the rights and dignity ofits ‘first peoples’. This is theultimategoal.Self determination, as an effectivepolicy, offers the way forward inproviding realpower to Indigenouspeople.Genuine reconciliation requirestruthful acknowledgment of ourpasthistory.A collaborative approachbetweenGovernment and Indigenouspeople is essential to achievingsuccessful outcomes. Genuinereconciliation requiresacknowledgmentofthetruthofourpasthistory.Both Constitutional Change andtreaty are legitimate concerns forIndigenousAustralians.

WHAT CONCERNS US? AboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeople continue to experiencelower socio-economic outcomesthan other Australians, as well assignificant levels of discrimination.Little has changed since the 1967referendum when Indigenouspeoples were counted in thecensus. Failure to address thissituation is anongoing issue forallAustralians.TensionscontinuetoexistbetweenIndigenous representatives andpoliticalleadersonwaystoreachamulti-party agreement on themodeltotaketoareferendum.Todate, the Prime Minister andOpposition Leader have failed toreach consensus on the issue ofConstitutional Change or whichaspirations they are prepared tosponsorintheparliament.Therehasbeenlimitedinvolvementof Aboriginal leaders in ongoingcollaboration on the constitutionalaspirationsoftheirpeople.Recent initiatives (such as theelection of Pat Dodson to theSenate and Stan Grant’sappointment to the Referendumcouncil) are welcome shifts, butgreater commitment to broadconsultation involving allAustralians is essential if areferendumistobesuccessful.We know that amendment doesnot comeeasily - only 8 out of 44referendum proposals have beenpassedsinceFederation.

WHAT ARE THE DESIRED OUTCOMES? 1. A commitment to a

referendum by all parties,leadinguptotheelection,withanunderstanding that thenewgovernment and the newparliament will proceed to puta referendum question to thepeopleassoonaspossible

2. A question, which contains noelement of possible confusiononlegalorothergrounds

3. An acknowledgment that we

recognise• Aboriginal prior occupation

oftheland• the enduring relationships

of Indigenous peopleswithland

• the continuing cultures,languages and heritage ofAboriginal and TorresStraightIslanderpeoples.

4. A supplementary provision

thatParliamentbegivenpowerto make laws with respect tothese elements acknowledgedbytheAustralianpeople.

5. Acomplementaryinclusionofa

new Indigenous body in theConstitution to adviseParliament when new laws forAboriginal and Torres StraitIslandersarebeingconsidered

6. A constitutional ban on racial

discrimination (although notsimpleandneedingtodealfirstwithamendmentstotheNativeTitleAct.

WHAT CAN WE DO POLITICALLY? Wecanaskpoliticians:

• To support the need forConstitutional change and setup and encourage forums toeducate the wider communityontheissues

• To advance consultation anddecisions related to bothConstitutional change and

treaty

• To recognise that the landwasnevercededtolaterarrivals

• To ensure any change ismeaningful, and any symbolic

changeisonestepinaprocesstowardsfullrecognition

• To listen to the IndigenousElders and empower them toconsult for the necessarychangesintheircommunities

• To acknowledge thecontribution of AboriginalAustralians to theANZAC storyand the development of theland.

Toaskthatamendments• Contribute to a more unified

andreconcilednation• Be of benefit to, and accord

with, the wishes of Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islanderpeoples

• Be capable of being supportedbyanoverwhelmingmajorityofAustralians from across thepoliticalandsocialspectrums

• Be technically and legallysound.

WHAT CAN WE DO PERSONALLY AND COMMUNALLY?

Wecan:

• inform ourselves and initiateconversations within ourcommunities

• talktofamilyandfriends• invite guest speakers to lead a

discussion on the issuesoutlinedinthispaper

• inviteRecognise to speak withyour community aboutConstitutionalChange

SOMEHELPFULRESOURCES

ANTaR website www.antar.org.au& www.nsw.antar.org.au TheConversation about ConstitutionalRecognitionYOU ME UNITY equality andrecognition. A nationalconversation about Aboriginal andTorresStraitIslanderConstitutionalRecognition. Discussion Paper –May2011

No Small Change The Road toRecognition for Indigenous FOR

Australia(2015)FrankBrennanSJFrank Brennan The Path to asuccessful referendum Paperdelivered to The Sydney Institute27May,2015 MOREINFORMATION Justreinvest.org.au

www.antar.org.au

www.oxfam.org.au www.acsjc.org.au www.erc.org.au

❛What can now be done to remedy the deeds of yesterday must not be put off till tomorrow.� The river is the river and the sea is the sea. Salt water and fresh, two separate domains. Each has its own complex patterns, origins, stories. Even though they come together they will always exist in their own right. My hopes for reconciliation are like that.

Pat Dodson



A Fair deal for Education

EDUCATING FOR LIFE WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? Itisourbeliefthateducationistherightofeverychild.All students have the right toequitable, intrinsically valuable,andaccessibleeducationQualityeducationforallstudentsisa critical investment that Australiamakesforitsfuture.Parentshavetheprimaryrightandobligation to ensure the besteducationfortheirchildren.BoththeCommonwealthandStateGovernmentsplayacritical role inthe provision of funding that isstable,longtermandcommittedtoallstudents.An equitable distribution ofresources takes into particularaccount the needs of studentsdisadvantagedby social, economic,culturalorphysicalfactors.The valuing of teachers leadslogically to the provision ofadequate resources for teachereducation, remuneration, and theongoingteacherdevelopment.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? FundingFunding for education is emergingas a critical issue for this electionacross all educational institutions,frompreschool touniversity. Bothmajor Parties are promisingsignificantfundingforschools–theCoalition (resisting Gonski)committing $1.2 billion, and Labor(supportingGonski)$4.5billion.The Government's previous policyto fully deregulate university feeshas been taken off the agenda.About $2 billion in cuts to highereducation however are containedinthe2016budget.Increasingnumbersofstudents,thedemands of technology andeducational requirements are fastoutstripping the funding allocatedtoschools.LiteracyandNumeracyLiteracy and numeracy results forstudents have declined in the pastdecade. On a range of 35educationalmeasures,Australia (incomparison with 27 other OECDcountries), falls below the averageonmorethanhalf.CatholicSchoolsDespite the fact that Catholicschools educate one in fivestudents, Catholic schools receivejust 21% of annual recurrent costsand2%ofthecapitalfunding.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS? Specific cuts in funding, in TAFE,Abstudy and in Adult MigrantEducation Services have negativelyimpacted on students indisadvantaged groups, especiallythose in greatest need, and thosewiththeleastpowerfulvoices.In all areas of Post-schooleducation, rising fees, thederegulated HECS system, andmission-based compacts haveresultedinadecreasingproportionof disadvantaged studentsproceedingtotertiarystudy.The politicisation of fundingdetractsfromlong-termplanning.The correlation between poorstudent performance andaggregated social disadvantage isstronger in Australia than in anyothercomparablewesternnationEducational trends have led to anoveremphasis on standardisedtests as the benchmark of aschool’s standards, exacerbated bythe ill-conceived use of Naplanresultstocompareschools.Teacher shortage, particularly inspecific subject areas, isexacerbated by the low status of,and limited career paths in, theteachingprofession.Thecomplexwebofschoolsfundingagreements leads tooftenfalsely argued disputes betweendifferentsystemsofeducation.


WECANLOBBYCANDIDATES:

To make an explicit commitmentto the adequate provision offunding forall stagesofschooling,from pre-school to post-

compulsoryeducation:

• comparabletoOECDstandards

• compensatingfordifferencesof

social status, material wealth,

geographic location and

resourcelevels

• providing equitable access to

newtechnologies(toovercome

the digital divide between the

information rich and the

informationpoor)

• increasing funding to early

childhood education, so that it

is accessible andaffordable for

thewhole community, not just

thewealthy

• committing to all aspects of

post-school education to

compensate for thecutsof the

past10years

• affording access to adequate

health and welfare services so

that there is an effective

interface between education

andhealth

• providing for the professional

development of teachers to

meetrapidlychangingdemands

• reviewingandsimplifyingthe

complexwebofschools

fundingagreements

WHAT CAN WE DO PERSONALLY?

Wecan

Inform ourselves about standardsofeducationinAustraliaandabout

thecausesandresultsofpoliciesof

thepasttenyears.

Support increased funding to allschools in conversation with

friends, with an emphasis on

studentsingreatestneed

Engage with family and friends in

conversation, which recognises

that, while funding is significant,

education policies should be

assessed holistically in the context

of broader considerations of what

schoolsandstudentsneed.

Promote a more sophisticatedapproach to education, which

acknowledges that education is

morethanbasicskillstesting

Inviteguestspeakerswhocanleadadiscussiononthevision,aimsand

practicesineducationtoday.

FORMOREINFORMATIONNationalCatholicEducation

Commission

http://www.ncec.catholic.edu.auDepartmentofEducationandtraining

https://www.education.gov.au

CatholicSchoolsOfficeSydney

www.catholicschools.nsw.edu.au

AssociationofIndependentSchools

https://www.aisnsw.edu.au

BoardofStudies

https://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/

Acenturyfromnow,

whatshallbesaid

ofourjourneyinthesetimes?

Andwhoshalltheshapershavebeen?

Whoshallhaveshapedthefuturemore?

Thehopefuldreamers

whowerestrongenough

tosufferforthedream?

Orthefearfulpessimists

whowereconvinced

thatdreamingandhope

areforsleepersonly,

notforthoseawaketotheage?

Acenturyfromnow,

shallhopeandhumour

havebeenstrongenoughtoenableliving

withunanswerablequestions?

Orshallthepain

thatatransitionalagenecessarilybrings

havecausedaretreattooldanswers

thatnolongeracknowledgenewquestions?

Acenturyfromnow,

weshallhaveindeedjourneyed…

andrealjourneyersknow

thatthedirectionisalwayschosen

bythosewhomakethejourney.

Whoshallchoosethedirection?

…Sothequestionisstillthesame…

Acenturyfromnow,

whatshallbesaid

ofourhumanjourneyinthesetimes?

Andwhoshalltheshapershavebeen?

Lilian Smith

TheGonskifundingsystemturnseverythingonitshead;

ratherthanbeingneeds-blindandsector-based,

itissector-blindandneeds-based.

KenBoston



A Fair Deal for the Environment

OUR COMMON HOME WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? Allformsoflife–plant,animalandhuman–arefundamentallyinterconnectedandinter-dependent.Theconservationoftheearth’sresourcesisvitalforourownandtheplanet’ssurvival.Futuregenerationshavearighttoinheritahealthilyfunctioningandbio-diverseenvironment.Allelementsoftheenvironmenthaveintrinsicvalue,irrespectiveoftheextenttowhichtheycanbeutilisedbyhumans.

Thewatercycleispartofabroaderecosystem on which our food andindustry depends and access tosafe,cleanwaterisabasicrightforhumansandotherspecies.

There needs to be a balancebetween the priorities ofenvironmental needs and socialandeconomiccosts.

Protection of environmentalresources is fundamental to ahealthyenvironment.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? ThelimitationsofthedebateThe growth in materialconsumption is beyond theenvironmentallimitsoftheearthDependenceonConsumptionAustralia, with the rest of theglobal west, is reliant on asnowballing consumption ofresources.Coal,GasandMineralsDespite the Paris Agreement, theAustralian Government continuesto support (through contracts,financial subsidies, and legislation),the coal, gas mineral industries.Currently, the Government givesannually over $7.7 billion tosupport the production andconsumptionoffossilfuels. EnvironmentalDestruction• AstheAdanimineseemssetto

proceed,theGreatBarrierReefis suffering the worst coral-bleachingeventinitshistory.

• Thedevastatingfires inCanadaindicate the acceleratingresults of increasing extremeweatherevents.

• Waterways are beingcontaminated by run-off frombusinesses using chemically-basedfertilisersandpesticides.

• The proposal that SouthAustraliabuildanuclearwastedump on Sacred Aboriginalland, encapsulates the priorityof economics over theenvironment.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS? Australiacurrentlyhasaneconomythat depends on an over-consumption of energy. We havethe world’s highest averageemissionsperperson.Our current consumption of nonrenewable resources i.e. coal andoil, is increasing exponentially therateofclimatechange.This over-reliance on fossil fuels,and rising greenhouse gasemissions pollute the atmosphereandexacerbateclimatechange.Australiaistheworld’slargestcoalexporter, and if Adani goes ahead,itwillhavethelargestmine.Extreme weather events,increasing temperatures anddroughts have serious social,economic and healthconsequences,includingincreasing displacement ofpopulationsMininghastakenwater fromruralsupplies, contributed to pollution,and threatened rock structures,includingaquifers.New water coal-fired powerstations are being planned andexistingonesupgraded.The privatisation of water supplyhasledtodecreasedwatersecurityand also removed governmentresponsibilityforanessentialright.

“Whatwearedoingtotheenvironmentisbutamirrorreflectionofwhatwearedoingtoourselvesandtooneanother.”

―ChrisMaser

WHAT DO WE WANT? 1. Reductionofrelianceonfossil

andnuclearfuelsandconversiontorenewable,cost-effectiveenergybasedonwind,solarandtidaltechnologies

2. Integrationoflegislationwhichensures strategic planning anddevelopment outcomes areenvironmentally, socially andeconomicallysustainable

3. Regulation,betterscienceanddatacollection,andamorestrategic,transparentapproachtoenvironmentalissues

4. Restoration of healthy riversparticularly the Murray-Darlingsystem through co-operationbetween the FederalGovernment and other Statesto implement the MurrayDarlingBasinPlan

5. Greaterwaterefficiency

• Technology used insympathy with naturalecosystems- so that wateris used several timeswithout depriving itsecosystemuses

• Continued retro-fitting ofhomes with water-efficientshowerheads,toilets,tanksandrecycledwater

6. Guarantees that desalination

willnotbeusedtomeetsupplyneeds when storage levels areabove30%

7. AmoratoriumimposedonCoalSeamMiningextractionuntilaprecautionary, considered andintegrated strategy isdeveloped–onewhichincludescommunity consultation andindependentscientificinput.

WHAT CAN WE DO POLITICALLY? There are significant points ofdifference between the majorparties.Thisisanareawherevoterscanhopetoinfluencepolicies:Wecanlobbycandidates1. To commit to the removal of

wastefulresourcesonsubsidiesand tax breaks for pollutingindustries towards cleanrenewableenergy

2. to confirm the transition from

fossil fuels to 100% renewableenergyby2050

3. tocommitthentostrategiesofrapid emissions reduction andpeaking by 2020, in order tokeepthe1.5climitwithinreach

4. to institute greater flows of

finance, especially foradaptationandloss/damage

5. Tocallforfossilfueldivestment

and reinvestment inrenewables and low carbonsolutions, bothwithin our owncommunities, and by engagingcompaniesonclimatechange.

FORMOREINFORMATIONThe Climate Institute: www.climateinstitute.org.au Catholic Earthcare Australia: www.catholicearthcareoz.net CoalSeamGasMiningwww.nwc.gov.au/www/html/2959-coal-seam-gas.asp?intSiteID=1OzGreenwww.ozgreen.org

WHAT CAN WE DO PERSONALLY? 1. Challengethelimitationsofthe

jobsandgrowthmantra

2. Do an energy audit to findwhere energy consumptioncouldbereduced

3. Contribute to cleanerwater bynot using cleaning productscontaining phosphates andchemicals

4. Expandtheuseofsolar

5. Implementrecyclingandcomposting

6. Atcommunityevents,replacedisposablecups,platesandcutlerywithwashableorcompostableitems

7. Examineenvironmentaleffortsinyourlocalcommunity.

8. Encouragefaithcommunitiestoreduce emissions and tosupport and stand in solidaritywith communities alreadyimpactedbyclimatechange

Creationisnotaproperty,whichwecanruleoveratwill;or,evenless,isthepropertyofonlyafew:Creationisagift,itisawonderfulgiftthatGodhasgivenus,sothatwecareforitandweuseitforthebenefitofall,alwayswithgreatrespectandgratitude.

PopeFrancis



A Fair Deal for Health Care

HEALTH CARE REFORM WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

We believe that health is a socialgood that is basic to the fabric ofsociety, and that it is afundamentalrightofeveryperson.Webelievethataproperly funded,universal health care systemprotectstherightsofall.It is the responsibility ofGovernment to provide and fundquality health care programs andservices.A system, funded fromgovernment, non-government andprivatesources,iscriticaltoqualitycare, based on equity, universalityandeaseofaccess.A person-centred system, ratherthanone that is facility-centred,orprimarilybasedonprofit-making,iscentraltohealthasasocialgood.Frail, chronically ill ormarginalisedpersons have special needs, andany system that disadvantagesthose on the margins underminestherightsofall.Planning for adequate health andaged care infrastructures andservices underpins services intothefuture

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?Healthandsocio-economicstatusLevelsof health forAustralians areincreasingly dependent on socio-economicstatus.CutbacksThe2016budget(duetotakeeffectin2017)proposestaking$57billionover 10 years from the nation’shealth budget. The GovernmentalsointendstofreezetheMedicarerebate.IndigenoushealthThere are plans to cut funding tospecific Aboriginal-controlledservicesandprograms.MentalillnessThe provision of integratedresidential treatment andrehabilitation facilities arethreatenedbyhealthcuts.AgedCareThe demands of an ageingpopulation continue to undermineinfrastructures and services.Proposed cuts will impactparticularlyonsmallerinstitutions.RuralandregionalAustraliaDecreasingnumbersofruralhealthworkers, and reduced access tohealthcare,arecriticalissues.GovernmentFundingHospitalsarebeing forcedtocoverfunding shortfalls by raisinghundreds of millions of dollars inexternalrevenue.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS? Levels of health continue todisadvantage Australians. Thelowest 20% of income earnersexperience the highest levels ofpoorhealthoutcomes.ThefreezingoftheMedicarerebatemeansthatovertime,GPswillearnrelativelyless,whiletheircostswillincrease.The current lack of collaborationbetween Federal and StateGovernments, and the non-government sectors, (key to thedelivery of effective strategies andaction) is exacerbating low healthoutcomes.Indigenous Australians remain themost disadvantaged group inAustralia as measured by lifeexpectancy, cardiovasculardisease,diabetesandaccesstoservices.Evidenceshowsthatmental illnessand substance dependencyfrequentlyco-existFunding models for the care ofolder Australians continue tocreate major difficulties, especiallyforsmallerinstitutions.Decreasingsupportforruralpeopleand their carers are resulting inlowerhealthoutcomes.Hospital funding remainsinadequate despite promisedincreases.

Whenwehavesoldallourpublicassets,wherewillfuturefundscomefrom?Therehastobeanotherwayatthistime.

WHAT CAN WE DO POLITICALLY? The current debate over fundingbetweenCommonwealthandStateGovernments has thrown thehealth debate into disarray.Increased funding is essential andcannotoccurwithoutcollaboration.Patient care must never takesecondplacetopolitics.WE CAN THEREFORE LOBBYCANDIDATES:

• TocommittoprotectionoftheMedicareSystem

• to commit to negotiation

based on health and socialneeds,notpoliticalagenda

• to develop clear action plans

that focus on reducinginequalitiesinhealthoutcomesandservices

• to target Indigenous health as

amajorpriority• Tocommittothedevelopment

ofamentalhealthsystemthatensuresaccesstomentalhealthcare, especially for homelesspeople and those who find itdifficult to engage with thehealthcaresystem

• Tomakeaccesstoagedcarean

entitlement to those assessedasneedingit

• To broaden the criteria and

services for rural anddisadvantagedpeople.

WHAT CAN WE DO PERSONALLY? We can share ideas with our owncommunity.We can work with like-mindedgroups.We can investigate possibilities inourareaofinfluenceandaction.Wecan raiseawarenessofHealthissuesbyinvitingrepresentativesofCatholic Health Australia andcommunity advocates andpractitionerstospeakwithus.Wecanadvocatewithreligiousandcommunity groups to investigaterealities and possibilities withintheir own sectors (N.B. on anygivenday,oneintenAustralians ina hospital or aged care bed arebeingcaredforbyaCatholichealthoragedcareservice).FOR MORE INFORMATION Catholic Health Care Services: www.catholichealthcare.com.au

Catholic Health Australia: www.cha.org.au

ACOSS: www.acoss.org.au StVincentdePaulSociety:www.vinnies.org.au Australian catholic social JusticeCouncilwww.acsjc.org.auPatientsbeforeProfitsNursesagainstPrivatisation



MAY GOD BLESS US WITH DISCOMFORT at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts. MAY GOD BLESS US WITH ANGER at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for economic justice for all people. MAY GOD BLESS US WITH TEARS to shed for those who suffer from pain, hunger, homelessness and rejection, so that we may reach out our hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. AND MAY GOD BLESS US WITH ENOUGH FOOLISHNESS to believe that we can make a difference in the world so that we can do what others claim cannot be done.’

Source: Education for Justice.

A fair deal for all Australians

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

AsAustralians,weholdthat• every Australian has the

righttoahome• adequatehousingisabasic

humanneed,• adequate housing is a

fundamental human right(Universal Declaration ofHumanRights,No.25).

We hold that affordable,appropriate and secure housing,which offers safety, privacy andreasonable security of tenure, isfundamental to adequate housingprovision.We hold that access to quality,affordable housing, which includesaccessibility to transport,employment and communityservices, is central to communitywell-being, and provides afoundation for family and socialstability.We hold that appropriate housingcontributestoimprovedhealthandeducationaloutcomes,aswellastoaproductiveworkforce.We hold that the role ofGovernment is critical in ensuringthat the housing rights of peopleare met, particularly for those onlowincomesandthosewithspecialneeds.Weholdthattherighttoahomeisbasic to the Australian belief in afairgoforall.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

2016BudgetThe Turnbull budget has largelyignored the issue of housingaffordability. There is no increaseto public housing funding, noincrease to Commonwealth RentAssistance, no new money forrental affordability incentives, andno new financing option foraffordable housing. There is noresponsetotheSenateinquiryintohousingaffordabilityorreform.HousingAffordabilityHousing is the major cost facingevery vulnerable household, andthe 2016 budget offers no relief.Lessthan0.1%ofrentalpropertiesare affordable for a single persononNewstartorYouthAllowance.HousingStockThere is an insufficient supply ofaffordable housing available forpurchasethroughoutAustralia. HousingStressThe Australian Bureau of Statisticsreports that almost one millionhouseholdsarenow living inrentalor mortgage stress, i.e. are payingmorethan30%ofgrossincomeonrecurrenthousingcosts.HomelessnessFederal budget cuts tohomelessness services, mentalhealth programs, community legalcentres, women's refuges andyouth shelters will be hit hard bytheaxingofa$115millionprogramaimed at addressing the needs ofover100,000homelessAustralians.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?

Inthepastfiftyyears,Australiahasmoved from a society wherehousing was seen as a universalright, to one where it is nowpredominantly viewed as a safetynetforthosemostinneed. Cutbacks in Commonwealth andstatefundinghaveledtoincreasedrental and mortgage stress, and areductioninthenumberofservicesto assist those suffering financialstress, and domestic and familyviolence.Socialproblems (violence, financialinsecurity, unemployment,underemployment, delinquency,marriage breakdown, infirmity andold age) have been shown to beaggravated by the lack of, orinadequate,housingWeknowthatthenegative impactof inadequate housing hasexacerbated theneed for spendingon health, prisons, and welfareprovisions. In many large housingestates,thelackofsupportsystemshas resulted in significantinstability.Governments have nameddomestic violence as a significantcause of homelessness, yet havefailedtoprovideaffordablehousingtoalleviatetheproblem. Refugeesaremadeupincreasinglyofwomenand children (also victims ofdomestic violence) and youth(unemployed,gayandlesbian,drugaddicted)


Housing will continue to be acritical issue,whichever Partywinspower. Unless all candidatesacceptthathousing is fundamentaltoacivil society, itwillcontinuetobe a growing financial and socialburdenforthewholecommunity.WECANLOBBYCANDIDATES:

to commit to realistic levels offunding for housing, regardless ofothercallsmadeonrevenueTocommitrevenuetocreatenew,purpose-built, safe, affordableaccommodation for vulnerablepeople, and especially the elderly,and disabled, victims of domesticviolence, homeless indigenousAustralians, and those sufferingfrommentalhealthissues.

to develop new models of

cooperative housing for low-incomehouseholdsTo increase the level of socialhousingandupgradeexistingstockTo provide funding for public andcommunityhousing,andincentivesfor thedevelopmentofaffordable

housingintheprivatemarketTo implement rent-setting in

communityhousing, targeting low-incomehouseholdsandtoincreaserentallowanceinareasofneedTo legislate toguaranteeadequateprotection(tenantsandlandlords)Toinvestinemergencyhousingforthoseexperiencingseverestress

WHAT CAN WE DO PERSONALLY? We can share ideas with our owncommunity.We can work with like-minded

groups.

We can investigate possibilities inourareaofinfluenceandaction.Wecanraiseawarenessofhousingissues by inviting community andsocial housing advocates andpractitionerstospeakwithus.Wecanadvocatewithreligiousandcommunity groups to investigatehousing possibilities within theirownsectors.

FORMOREINFORMATION

Shelter NSW:www.shelternsw.org.auACOSS:www.acoss.org.auChurches Community Housing:www.churcheshousing.org.auSt Vincent de Paul Society:www.vinnies.org.au Australian Catholic Social JusticeCouncilwww.acsjc.org.au

A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and Educational Agencies

14 Yerrick Rd Lakemba NSW 2195. [email protected]


With the bricks of tolerance We will build together a better world. With the bricks of belonging We will build together a better world. With the bricks of understanding We will build together a better world. With the bricks of sharing We will build together a better world. With the bricks of hope We will build together a better world. With the bricks of community We will build together a better world. With the bricks of love We will build together a better world.

Author unknown

A Fair Deal for All Australians

INDIGENOUS JUSTICE

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

As the ‘first peoples’ of Australia,Indigenous people hold a uniquestatusinthisland.

Genuine equality for indigenouscitizens, as a basic human right,requires an acknowledgement oftheir unique identity and culturalheritage, and an active recognitionofculturaldifferences.The Constitution of a democraticnation enshrines and safeguardsthe rights and dignity of its ‘firstpeoples’, and collaborationbetween Government andIndigenous people is essential toachievingthis.

Self determination, as an effectivepolicy, offers the way forward inproviding realpower to Indigenouspeople.

Genuine reconciliation requirestruthful acknowledgment of ourpasthistory. Everyone is entitled to theenjoymentofhumanrightswithoutdiscrimination of any kind,includingonthebasisofrace.The principles ofprevention, earlyintervention and social inclusionare fundamental to decision-makingandservicedelivery.Effective policy minimises thealienation and marginalisation ofpeople.

WHAT CONCERNS US AT THIS TIME? Aboriginal people continue toexperience lower socio-economicoutcomes than other Australians,as well as significant levels ofdiscrimination.

Health: There is still a seventeen-year difference between the lifeexpectancyof indigenousandnon-indigenousAustralians.

Education: A lack of basic literacyskills, a shortage of teachers andresources continue to impactnegativelyonIndigenouschildren.

Housing and Unemployment:serious problems in both areascontinue throughout all Aboriginalcommunities, with ongoinggenerationaleffects.

Services: Inadequate policing,roads,water, electricity, sewerage,garbagedisposalservicesarefoundacross Indigenous communities– asituation other Australian citizenswouldnottolerate.Imprisonment: In the past decade,the incarceration rate forIndigenous men has more thandoubled; Indigenous youths nowcomprisemorethan50percentofjuveniles in detention (despitebeing only 3% of the population);and, for Indigenous women, therate of imprisonment isacceleratingeven faster–a74percentincreaseinthepast15years.Ongoing mandatory sentencing,imprisonment for fine defaults,"paperless" arrest laws, tough bail

and parole conditions and punitivesentencingregimesallcontributetohighincarcerationrates,alongwithfunding cuts to frontline legalservicesand inadequate resourcingformuchneededprograms.Treaty and ConstitutionalRecognition: Debate continues toaround these critical areas oftenpoliticisedforelectoraladvantage.Approach to policy developmentand implementation: The FederalGovernment’s current approach toIndigenousaffairs is its centralised,‘top-down’ approach to policies.The contentious issue of thecashless welfare card issymptomaticof this. There is littleconsideration of the sense ofdisempowerment, stigma andpunitive perceptions experiencedby communities against thepossible benefits of such aprogram.Imbalance in media reports:Unbalanced media reportingreinforces the stereotyping andnegative images of Indigenouspeople,withvery littlereportingofthe success stories, or the cultureandstrengthof leadership inmanymen and women. Such imbalancehelps to ignite the underlyingracism, (including institutionalisedracism), which still exists in ournation.

LackofWill:Politicianslackthewillto make indigenous issues apriority. Successful programs areoften terminated because of shortterm funding and selectivechoosingofIndigenousleaders.


WECANLOBBYCANDIDATES:

To engage in a bi-partisan, formalway with Indigenous peoples onmatters affecting their social,cultural and economic interests, aswell as their political status withinthenationTo entrench a vote for bothgovernmentancivil society so thatmeaningful involvement indecisions affecting their futurewillbeguaranteedTo advance consultation anddecisions related to Constitutionalchangeandtreaty

To introduce effective long-termstrategies to eliminatedisadvantage, and ensure theprovision of adequate, recurrentfundingwithoutunfairconditionsTo ensure that all legislation,policies and programs areconsistent with internationalhumanrightsstandardsTo develop a sound framework,which is people-centred andwhichrecognises the social and culturaldiversity of Aboriginal and TorresStraitIslanderpeople

To build on the large body ofresearch already completed, priortoinstitutingnewstudiesTo promote a more balancedapproachinreporting(toeliminatediscriminatory coverage andencourage education on currentrealities)

Establish a clear accountabilityframework to ensure that allrelevantbodies§ remain focussed on the

ultimateoutcomesofpolicy§ are able to be held

accountable for their rate ofprogress in addressing humanrightsbreaches.

WHAT CAN WE DO AS A COMMUNITY?

Inform ourselves about the issuespertaining to ongoingdiscrimination and racism aroundTreatyandConstitutionalChangeInvite representatives from“Recognise” to lead a discussionabout issues related toConstitutionalchangeEngage formally and with familyand friends in the consultationsregarding both Treaty andConstitutionalChangePromote Diversionary/culturallyappropriate programs that workwith young people to detect signsof problem behaviour can helpdivertyoungpeople fromentering,or re-entering the juvenile justicesystem. This requires adequatefunding, guaranteed for the longterm and subject to independentreview.By developing a bipartisan andcommunityapproachtoinnovativejuvenile justice, all Parties couldwork together to achieve thenecessaryanddesiredchange.

FORMOREINFORMATION Justreinvest.org.auwww.hreoc.gov.au www.antar.org.au www.oxfam.org.au www.acsjc.org.au www.erc.org.au

PHILOSOPHY OF JUST REINVEST

GIVE THEM A LIFE

NOT LIFE IN PRISON

JustReinvestNSWiscommittedtoaddressingtheoverrepresentationofAboriginalyoungpeopleincustody.

WE CAN UNLOCK THE PATHWAY TO CHANGE

Homelessness,childabuse,disability,high-riskdrugandalcoholuse,

poorschoolattendance,alackofappropriateservices;

violence,discriminationandpovertyallactasprecursorstoyoungpeople

becomingentrenchedinthecriminaljusticesystem.

TheseissuesaredifficultforAboriginalyoungpeopletomanagewithouthelp.

BUILD THEM A BRIGHTER FUTURE

WeaimtoinfluencetheNewSouthWalesGovernment

toshiftspendingthathasbeenallocatedforprisonstowardscommunity-basedprograms

andservicesthataddressthefactors

thatcontributetocriminalbehaviourinyoungpeople.



We have our heroes. Albert Namatjira painted the soul

of this nation. Vincent Lingiari put our his hand

for Gough Whitlam to pour the sand of his country and say,

‘this is my country.’ Cathy Freeman lit the torch

of the Olympic games. But every time we are lured

into the light, we are mugged by the darkness

of this country’s history. Of course racism is killing

the Australian Dream. It is self evident that it’s killing

the Australian dream. But we are better than that.

The people who stood up and

supported Adam Goodes and said, ‘no more,’

they are better than that. The people who marched

across the bridge for reconciliation, they are better than that.

My wife who is not Indigenous is better than that.

And one day, I want to stand here

and be able to say as proudly and sing as loudly

as anyone else in this room, Australians all, let us rejoice.

Stan Grant

Contributing our Fair Share

TAXATION FOR GREATER JUSTICE WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? The Federal Government plays animportantroleinmaintainingsocialcohesion and guaranteeing equityinthecommunity.Distributive justice recognises thatthe burdens of the communityshould be shared and reflect thereality that different members ofsociety have varying abilities tocontribute.The Government has a direct roletoplayinredistributingthewealthin society towards those ingreatest need. The taxationsystem plays a vital role in thisredistribution.An effective taxation systemencourages socially andenvironmentally responsibleoutcomes.Federal revenue raised from taxessupports vital social services andcontributes to the provision ofservicesbyStateGovernments.An effective taxation systemencourages balanced andsustainable growth, In order tomaintain current living standards,andincreasethelivingstandardsofthe least well off. It collectssufficient revenue to allow theGovernment to maintain fundingcommitments and expandcommitmentswherenecessary.Aneffectivebudgetencouragesjobcreation.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? Thebudgetsofthepastthreeyearshave included benefits for uppermiddle class and wealthyAustralians,buthavedonelittleforpeople on the lowest incomes.They have been underpinned by aculture that subordinates thewelfare of people to economicgrowthandthemakingofwealth.There has been nothing in thesebudgets to improve the situationfor the 105,000 homeless peopleon the streets each night, nor forthe 200,000 Australians on thequeueforsocialhousing.Formanyofthebenefits thathavebeen embedded in the budget,there have been correspondingcutbacks.Australia is a relatively low taxingand spending nation compared tootherOECD countries. It is hard tojustify a systemwhere the alreadyrichkeepgettingevenricher.

The cutbacks in foreign aid reflectthe Government’s lack of concernfor some of the most vulnerablepeople inourworld. Indoing this,Australia is acting also against itsown goals of combating terrorismand the increasing numbers ofrefugeesacrosstheworld.From these budgets, a number ofplans have remained in place:significant cuts from schools andhospitals, to community supportagencies, and as well, toenvironmentalinitiatives.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS? The effects of growing inequalityare real and corrosive in society,and the budgets of the past threeyearshavereinforcedthistrend.Theirclear impact isto identifythecommongoodwiththeinterestsofaffluentandwell-off investors,andinalesserwaywithsmallbusiness.Everything else, such as a welfaresystem, health, education andwages,areseenascostburdenstobekeptstrictlyundercontrol.Every piece of evidence aboutthese budgets has demonstrated aseveredisadvantageforlowincomeAustralians while barely affectingthose who are wealthy (especiallythe sixty-six Australians whocurrentlypossessmorewealththanthemillionpoorestAustralians).ThereseemtobetwotargetsintheCoalitionbudgets:1. Themostvulnerablemembers

ofsociety–especially• youngunemployedpeople,• singleparents,• low-paidfamilieswith

school-agechildren,• theunwellneedingmedical

attention,• Aboriginalpeople,• peoplewithdisabilities

2. Thegovernment'sideologicaltargets:• theABC,• theCSIRO,• Renewableenergysector,• foreignaid.

WHAT CAN WE DO POLITICALLY? WECANLOBBYCANDIDATES:To strengthen the tax system toensurethatthosewhocanaffordtocontribute do so, that the policyencourages growth, offerstaxpayersvalueformoney,isfairtoallandprioritisessupportforthosewhoneeditIntargetingthoseinneed,toavoidblaming the victim, as the budgetsofthepastthreeyearshavedoneTo develop a robust safety net forthose unable to continue to workduetopoorhealthordisabilityTo commit to removal of wastefulresources on subsidies and taxbreaksforpollutingindustriesTo take resolute action oncorporatetaxavoidanceTo commit to reforming negativegearingandupperclasswelfareTostrengthenagainthesupportforregulatory agencies and statutorybodies to ensure the enforcementofjustregulations

To establish a level playing field infuture planning charges andInfrastructure levies, by removinginequitiesthatareaddingtocostsThroughstructuralreformssuchasthese, Governments can afford tocontinue to provide essentialpaymentsandservicesandtobuildastrongeconomyandcommunity.

WHAT CAN WE DO PERSONALLY?

WECAN

Develop a habit and a culture oflooking at the taxation system asour contribution to a fair deal forall,ratherthanataxburden.

Inform ourselves about the impactofthebudgetandaboutthecausesand results of policies of the pasttenyears.

Raise the issues in conversationwith friends, with an emphasis onpeopleingreatestneed

Promote a more sophisticatedapproachtobudgetanalysis,whichrecognises that a fair deal mustunderpindecisionsthataremade

Inviteguest speakerswhocan leadadiscussiononthevision,aimsandpracticestoday.

FORMOREINFORMATIONACOSS:www.acoss.org.auStVincentdePaulSociety:www.vinnies.org.au#AustraliancatholicsocialJusticeCouncilwww.acsjc.org.au#



We live in a post trickle-down theory world, where people are sensitised to government-enabled corporate excesses and have legitimate reason to doubt whether elected officials are capable and willing to serve their interests. The lesson from the federal budgets of the past three years is that there are on-negotiables around the function of government to provide the conditions that ensure the flourishing of all.

The credibility test for political parties – and the central question around

fiscal policy – is no longer about economic growth, but

growth for whom

‘Paying a lot of taxes

just means you make a lot of money,

and it is hard, frankly, to complain about that.’

WealthyCEO

A Fair Deal for Young People

YOUNG PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? Webelievethattherightsofyoungpeoplearenotconcededrightsthatcome to them derived from familyor from the state: their humanrightsarepersonalandinalienable.

Good health, affordable housingand equitable, high quality andaccessible education are basic tothewell-beingofyoungpeople,andprovideafoundationforstabilityatallstagesoftheirlives.

A just industrial relations system isdesigned to serve social, aswell aseconomic goals, allowing youngpeopletoliveandworkinamannerbefitting their human dignity andtheir responsibilities to theircommunityandtheirworld.

Governmentsareobligedtoensurethat young people whose workleaves them little or no bargainingpower have adequate safeguardsonconditionsandwages.

Legislation enacted byGovernmentsneeds toprotectandencourage the wholeheartedinvolvementofyoungpeopleinthepoliticalprocess.

Future generations have a right toinherit a healthy and bio-diverseenvironment.

The allocation of resourcesdemonstrates the seriousness ofGovernment rhetoric about theimportance of young people associety’sfuture.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?WideningGapGrowing inequalities in Australiaare particularly evident in the livesof young people and seen indecreasing educational access,employment, low wage growth,housing, and health (especiallymental health). 15% of youngpeoplecurrentlyliveinpoverty.EducationThe proportion of studentscontinuing on to post-compulsoryeducationhasdecreasedinthepastten years. Specific cuts in TAFEfunding, inAbstudyand inMigrantEducation Services have negativelyimpacted on students indisadvantaged groups, especiallythose in greatest need and thosewiththeleastpowerfulvoices.YoungIndigenousAustraliansYoung Indigenous Australians aresuffering significant levels ofdisadvantagebecauseofdeepeningracism, the mainstreaming ofgovernment policies, distortedmedia portrayal, high rates ofimprisonment, and housing andhealthproblems.Young Australians in rural areasMicroeconomic reform and thewithdrawal of services (e.g. banks,rail andpostal services, health andeducation) have created hardship,unemployment, lower wages andgreater inequity across ruralAustralia.Manyyoungpeoplehavebeen forced to leave in search ofeducational and workopportunities.

HousingAffordabilityHouse prices have increasedsignificantly and are increasinglyout of the reach of young people.Importantly, the largestproportionalincreasesinhousesaleprices occurred in the traditionallylowercosthousingareas.Homelessness has also increasedamong young people. 42% ofhomelesspeopleareundertheageof24.

IndustrialRelationsIndustrial legislation has increasedthe power of employers, anddecreased the power of youngworkers to negotiate. Thosewithout skills or experience haveless power to negotiate anindividual contract, leaving manyyoung people vulnerable toexploitation.CasualisationofworkCasual employees are significantlyyounger than permanentemployees,with39.3percentofallcasualsagedlessthan25years.Casuals have fewer rights and lesssecurity, which can deny themaccess to credit, such as a homeloan. Possible changes to penaltyrates will have importantconsequencesforyoungpeople.EnvironmentalthreatsClimate change and extremeweather events, increasingtemperatures and droughts haveserioussocial,economicandhealthconsequences, which will beenvironmentally unsustainable forthe future of our country and ourworld.

WHAT CAN WE DO? A society has an obligation toprotect and encourage the

wholehearted involvement of

youngpeopleinthesocial,politicaland economic life of thecommunity. It is incumbent uponthe Government and thecommunity to promote this inlegislationandculture.

WE CAN THEREFORE LOBBY

CANDIDATES andworkwith them

inthefollowingareas:

Education.

Commit to the adequate provisionof funding for all stages ofschoolingProvide equitable access for post-school education (TAFE anduniversity), and develop structureswhich make participation ineducation an attractive option foryoungpeople.Health.Commit to a strong Medicaresystem and frame target levels ofexpenditureandtaxationtoensurethat all Australians have access toaffordable health care (whichincludes dental care). Strengthenoutreachyouthhealthfacilities.Housing.Provide incentives for thedevelopmentofaffordablehousingin the privatemarket, and fundingfor public and community housinginareasofneed. Needs-basedfunding

Increase needs-based funding foryoung people to provide greaterequityintheareasofrural,refugeeand indigenous health, education,employment, housing andinfrastructure.

Employment.Promotetherights,conditions,andbargainingpositionsof allworkers,ensuring that vulnerable youngworkersarenotforcedtonegotiateinunequalbargainingsituationsEnsurethatre-employmenttrainingis useful and linked to real jobopportunities and wage subsidiesto provide paid employmentopportunitiesinrealworkplacesGuarantee clear protections toprevent exploitation of youngpeople,ordisplacementofjobs.ThePoliticalProcess

Promote involvement of youngpeople in the political processthrough strategies, which protectandencourage their registrationasvoters and their participation ascitizens in political debate andadvocacy.Environment.Promote ongoing research and theuseof alternative fuels andenergyefficiencies,withclearperformanceindicators.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ACOSS: www.acoss.org.au StVincentdePaulSociety:www.vinnies.org.au Australian Catholic Social JusticeCouncilwww.acsjc.org.auACTUwww.actu.asn.au



This election is crucial for the future of penalty rates,

for Medicare and for our education system.

This election is crucial

For a well-resourced universal healthcare system,

penalty rates for working unsociable hours,

proper funding for education and a tax system

where all pay their fair share

In 2014, the average CEO earned 373 times more

than the average worker. While young employees

at big corporations like McDonald’s

earn so little they need government help

just to pay bills and put food on the table,

CEOs are taking home pay packages worth tens of millions.

ACOSS

A Fair and Permanent Border in the Timor Sea

Time to draw the line VALUESAustraliavaluesfairness.Australiahasresponsibili3esandshouldoperateaccordingtointerna3onallaw.

Everyna3onhastherighttosovereignborders.

Bordersaredeterminedunderinterna3onallyacceptedrules.

Inthecaseofdispute,na3onscanappealtoins3tu3onsestablishedtoarbitrateforthecommongood.

Australianshavetherighttoborderswhicharesecureandinalienable.Australia'sneighbourshaveiden3calrightstosecureborders.

Australia’sintegrityandinterna3onalstandingareaffectedbyitsdecisionsandac3ons.

CONCERNS

Thereisnointerna3onallyacceptedmari3meboundarybetweenTimorLesteandAustralia.

Timoresenego3atorswerespiedonbyAustraliaduringtheirplanningfordiscussions,thuspuCngtheirnego3a3onsatadisadvantage.

Asaresult,theTimoresegovernmentnowrequiresdiscussionsontheborder.

TheTimoresePrimeMinisterhasrequestedformaldiscussionswithAustralia.

TheAustralianPrimeMinisterhasrefused.

AustraliahasnowbeendirectedtobepartofaUnitedNa3onscompulsoryconcilia3on.

DESIRABLEOUTCOMES

1. TheAustraliangovernmentcomplieswithallprovisionsofthecompulsoryconcilia3on.

2. TheAustraliangovernmentandtheTimoresegovernmentagreetoformaldiscussionsattheearliestpossibledate.

3. AstructuredengagementdesignedtoseLlemari3meboundariestobeundertakeningoodfaithasaresultofthesediscussions.

4. Intheeventofdisagreement,thegovernmentssubmittothejurisdic3onofUnitedNa3onsConven3ononLawoftheSea(UNCLOS)andtheInterna3onalTribunaloftheLawoftheSea(ITLOS).

A FAIR AND PERMANENT BORDER WOULD BE CENTRED

AROUND THE MEDIAN, OR HALF-WAY.

http://timfo.org/new-blog-avenue/2016/4/11/compulsory-conciliation

HisExcellencyXananaGusmãovisitedSydneyrecentlyandaskedforoursupportinpersuadingtheAustraliangovernmenttonegoJateapermanentborder

SendamessagetoyourFederalMPandSenatecandidatesforNSWtoletthemknowyouwantAustraliatostarttalkingwithTimor-LestesothattheborderbetweenTimor-LesteandAustraliacanbefinalised. ForadirectemailtogotoyourlocalcandidatesforboththeHouseofRepresentaEveandtheSenate,clickhereandfollowtheinstrucEons.

Youmightliketowriteale0erandsenditbyordinarymailorbyyourpersonalemailtoMembersorSenators.Hereisasample:

DearM…….

Iamreques3ngyoursupportfordiscussionsbetweenAustraliaandTimor-Leste(EastTimor)onavoluntary,

bindinginterna3onalresolu3onforapermanentmari3meboundary.

XananaGusmão,Timor-Leste’sLibera3onLeader,FirstPresident,formerPrimeMinisterandnowChief

Nego3atorforMari3meBoundariesvisitedAustraliarecentlyandspokeabouthowtheTimoresepeoplesee

thisissueandwhyitisthe3metodrawtheline.Hespokeofthe'wallofsilence'thathasgreetedhisna3on's

requestforformaldiscussionswithAustralia.HepointedoutthatAustraliais'onthewrongsideofhistory'.

MrGusmãoremindedushowgoodweareattellingotherna3onstoobeyinterna3onallaw,asintheSouth

ChinaSea,butatthesame3meignoringitinourownbackyard.Iagreewithhisassessment.Establishing

permanentmari3meboundariesisamaLerofna3onalpriorityforTimor-Leste,asthefinalstepinrealising

itssovereigntyasanindependentstate.

IamverydisappointedthatbecauseAustralianauthori3esrefusetoundertakediscussionswithTimor-Leste,

ithasbeenforcedtoseekcompulsoryconcilia3onundertheUnitedNa3onsConven3onontheLawofthe

Sea.AsanAustralianci3zen,IamalsooffendedthatAustraliangovernmentshavenotyetestablisheda

complete,interna3onallyrecognisedborderforourna3on.

TheAustralianLaborPartyhaspromisedthat,ifelected,itwillcommencediscussionsonavoluntary,binding

interna3onalresolu3onforapermanentmari3meboundarybetweenAustraliaandTimor-Leste.Iamhoping

youwillcommittobi-par3sansupportfordirectandformalborderdiscussions.

Thisisanissuethatwillhelpdeterminemyvoteon2July.

Yourssincerely,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MariJmeBoundaryOfficeTimor-LestehLp://www.gfm.tl/

InformaJonhLp://www.gfm.tl/media/publica3ons/

TimorSeaJusJceForumhLp://www.3mfo.org

WHATCANWEDOPERSONALLYANDCOMMUNALLY?• Becomeinformed• Ini3ateconversa3ons• Talktofamily,friends,colleagues• inviteguestspeakerstoleadadiscussion

ontheissuesoutlinedinthispaper. • Download an Australian government map. 3mfo.org

Important to remember:

Every nation has the right to sovereign borders.

There is NO BORDER between Australia and Timor-Leste.

The Timorese government has asked Australia to talk and the answer has been 'no".

The Australian people's national border is incomplete.

The Timor Sea issue is about justice, not charity.

A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare and

Educational Agencies.

14 Yerrick Road,Lakemba NSW

[email protected]

NetAct

http://timorsea.good.do/timorseajustice/emailthefederalcandidatesinyourelectorate/

http://www.gfm.tl/

http://www.gfm.tl/media/publications/

http://www.timfo.org

http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/marine/jurisdiction/map-series

http://timfo.org

mailto:[email protected]


We Believe

• Every person is made in the image and likeness of God.

• Every person has the right to life, liberty and security of person, and freedom from torture and cruelty.

• Every person has the right to freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention.

• Every adult has the right to engage in decisions affecting their nation, to freedom of opinion and expression, and to receive and impart information and ideas.

• Every person has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

• Every person has the right to be educated and to work.

• Every person has the right to express their own culture publicly.

Our concerns

• The 1969 takeover of Papua by Indonesia was conducted by the military gaining the forced agreement of just 1,022 people.

• The people of the Papuan provinces are denied basic political, social and cultural rights.

• Over a half a million people have been killed since 1969.

• Papuans are discriminated against in employment and education.

• The Papuan provinces experience oppressive levels of military and police oversight.

• Papuans are increasingly becoming outsiders in their own land.

• Political dissent by Papuans is treated as terrorism and is dealt with by the recently raised terrorism unit, Densus 88.

desired outcomes • Full membership of Papua

in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

• Intervention by the United Nations by means of free and unfettered fact finding investigations.

• An internationally supervised process of dialogue with Indonesia.

• The establishment of networks of solidarity in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

• Australian government impartial consideration of evidence of human rights violations by Indonesian security forces.

• Suspension of Australian finance and training for Indonesian military, especially Detachment 88 until Indonesian government violations cease.

Justice for West Papua

A Project of Catholic Social Justice, Welfare

and Educational Agencies.

14 Yerrick Road,Lakemba NSW

[email protected]

NetAct

Read “We Will Lose Everything”

Report



http://bit.ly/209EJRC


What we can do individually: Read about West Papua. Recent Report: http://bit.ly/209EJRC

Find supportive websites and follow the news on West Papua e.g. The Australia West Papua Association: http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/

Free West Papua Campaign https://www.freewestpapua.org/

Pray for the people.

What we can do communally: Discuss the situation. What do we know? What don't we know? Why?

What effect does it have on us? What are the implications?

Find out what Australian Companies are present in West Papua. Are they involved in palm oil production? What effect is this having on the Papuan forests? Contact the Companies.

Raise the West Papua issue in the Parish and other groups.

Have a Prayer of the Faithful inserted into the Sunday Liturgy.

Pray for the people.

What we can do politically: Find out about the Melanesian Spearhead Group. What does it do?Why is it important? Which nations belong to it?

Write to the Australian government - local member, Senators, Foreign Minister, Prime Minister questioning our support of a counter-terrorism such as Detachment 88 which is used to manage peaceful political dissent.

Godofjus)ceandlove,ourheartsacheaswethinkofourbrothersandsistersinWest

Papua.

Theyaresuffering.

Mayoureyesandearsbe

openedsothatweworkto

supportthemintheirquestforjus)ce,peace,dignityandfreedom.

West Papuan flag


http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/

https://www.freewestpapua.org/


http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/

https://www.freewestpapua.org/

2016 Cover Page - mnnews.todayVOTING FOR OUR VALUES A Fair Deal for All Australian Election 2016...

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