MARCH 2014    ISSUE 154

Welcome to the monthly news and information briefing from the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, the social justice and human rights agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. This email contains highlights only. The full Briefing is online.

 

FROM THE SECRETARIAT: Manus Island death 'a tragedy waiting to happen'

The Federal Government has admitted there was a risk of such a serious incident occurring. 'For many years, the Australian Government has understood the consequences of indefinite, long-term detention on the mental health of asylum seekers,' said Refugee Council of Australia CEO Paul Power. Read more

 

 

 

ISSUES: Child detention ten years after national inquiry

The Australian Human Rights Commission has launched a new inquiry into the immigration detention of children. It has been ten years since the publication of A Last Resort, the report that made very clear recommendations for the protection of children seeking asylum. Read more

 

 

 

PUBLICATIONS: ACSJC's Social Justice Diary for 2014 still available

The 2014 Social Justice Diary includes the dates of significant events, anniversaries and special days which celebrate particular aspects of social justice. It provides a social justice program for the full year. Information and ideas for prayer and reflection are included. This is an essential resource for teachers and parishes. Read more

 

 

 

EVENTS: Pilger's tale of tears, betrayal and resistance

'Utopia' is an epic production by the Emmy and BAFTA winning film-maker and journalist John Pilger. Utopia is a vast region in northern Australia and home to the oldest human presence on earth. It is screening in Kalgoorlie, Cairns, Mona Vale, Bankstown, Canberra, Parramatta, Armidale, Epping, Ryde and Perth. Read more

 

 

 

NEWS: Caritas protests government cuts

During February, Caritas Australia added its voice to other groups protesting against Federal Government's cuts of $650 million from Australia's official aid program in the 2013-14 financial year. Read more

 

 

 

DIARY: 20 March is National Close the Gap Day

Support of National Close the Gap Day has been central in getting Australian governments to prioritise Indigenous health over the last few years. This in turn has led to declines in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infant and child mortality. Read more

 

 

 

AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL PO Box 7246, Alexandria NSW 2015. Tel: (02) 8306 3508, Fax: (02) 8306 3517, Email: admin@acsjc.org.auWebsite: http://socialjustice.catholic.org.au. ACSJC Briefing is sent by email at the beginning of each month (except January). To subscribe or unsubscribe, send an email to admin@acsjc.org.au