Post date: Mar 2, 2014 11:01:02 PM
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