The Social Justice Action Charter is available HERE
A video introduction to St Kevin’s Parish Social Justice Action and this webpage:
The Voice Referendum 2023 – Indigenous Voice Referendum
Extract from Pope John Paul II Address to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, Alice Springs, 29 November 1986:
“The establishment of a new society for Aboriginal people cannot go forward without just and mutually recognized agreements with regard to these human problems, even though their causes lie in the past. The greatest value to be achieved by such agreements, which must be implemented without causing new injustices, is respect for the dignity and growth of the human person.”
Extract from Pope Francis Encyclical Laudato Si, Para 146, 24 May 2015:
“…it is essential to show special care for indigenous communities and their cultural traditions. They are not merely one minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners, especially when large projects affecting their land are proposed.
Extract from Frank Brennan, Indigenous Voice to Parliament Webinar, 24 May 2023, Garratt Publishing. Opening the Doors Foundation:
“I think those statements from John Paul and (Pope) Francis give more than enough reason for arguing there is a place for putting Indigenous Voice into the Australian Constitution”
‘Voice’ webinar series seeks to inform and encourage meaningful debate.
Details on our News page (HERE)
St Kevin’s Parish Social Justice Action & St Gregory’s Parish ‘Indigenous Voice & Issues’ Online Forum
A link to the video recording of this well attended forum on 12 April is available on request together with a summarised text copy of its Q&A. Contact the St Kevin’s (templestowe@cam.org.au) or St Gregory’s Parish Office (doncaster@cam.org.au) or the Parish Social Action Action group.
The related 20 April excursion to the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Thornbury was similarly well attended and appreciated. Watch this space for updated information on the Indigenous Voice Referendum.
“Keeping Koori kids in an education of their Choice”
The above video from the ‘Opening The Doors Foundation’ (OTDF) provides an Overview of the great work of this Foundation over many years in helping Koori kids develop their interests and talents. It is taken as linked to the ODTF website on 15 July 2022.
We thankfully acknowledge OTDF permission to link to this informative video https://www.openingthedoors.org.au/ (11 minutes 32 seconds)
Francis Sullivan: 30 years on, Keating’s Redfern speech demands we back the Voice: Watch it hereFrom Francis Sullivan, Pearls & Irritations, John Menadue website 16 December 2022 (Released by by Catholic Social Services Australia, 13 December 2022)Francis Sullivan tells us 30 years on, Keating’s Redfern speech demands we back the Voice: Pearls & Irritations, John Menadue website 16 December 2022, Released by by Catholic Social Services Australis, Read/Watch it HERE
The path to The Voice, The Drum, ABC TV (13 December 2022)
Extract from Ellen Fanning, The Drum (Duration 21 minutes)Ellen Fanning and the panel* discuss the path to The Voice and whether there’s an economic imperative for the Voice as well.* Chris Gambian, Eddie Synot, Clare Armstrong and Christina Ryan.
Timely Summary of Fr. Frank Brennan ’An Indigenous Voice’ presentation from the 22 November McKinney Lecture Since a Church Video Recording of this event regretfully failed, below is a brief summary of Fr Frank Brennan’s presentation together with links to a direct audio recording and text transcript, subsequently made directly available by Frank. An un-advertised and complementary last minute 2nd presentation by Wiradjuri man and Anglican Priest Rev. Glenn Loughrey at the event was unfortunately not captured.Fr. Frank’s key point was that it is now 15 years since Prime Minister John Howard placed constitutional recognition on the national agenda. For the good of our First Nations peoples, for the good of public administration and for the good of the nation, it is essential that this matter now be brought to timely successful resolution. That cannot be done without the Albanese government now taking the prompt initiative to call the Opposition to the table. A personal sound recording of Fr Frank’s remarks is available HERE, a Transcript plus copy of Fr Frank’s presentation together with his Referendum chronology handout and Recommendation how to proceed is available HERE
“Go Forth into where many people struggle, and offer service as an echo of the love shown by Jesus”. On Sunday 13 November Pope Francis celebrated Mass with the poor by re-opening of a mobile health clinic in St Peter’s Square offering free medical screenings and care to those in Need. Furthermore, as part of his November attention to all children who suffer, are homeless, orphaned or victims of war, Francis recently spoke passionately “For Children who Suffer” in the powerful video above.
A 2nd visit to the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) in Northcote has been arranged for Wednesday 30 November from 12:00pm-2:00pm to explore i) timely Indigenous Issues, and i) Opening The Doors Foundation (enabling Koori Kids to have an education of their choice). Those interested in the ACM visit are invited to provide contact at templestowe@cam.org.au or phone 0409 967 207, John Costa SJA
Brief summary of 29 September 2022 Asylum Seekers – and a New Government Presentation by Sr Brigid Arthur AO, csb.
A Brief summary of key points from the Presentation and discussion is available HERE
Will you consider offering some support to Asylum Seekers or Refugees?
Now Inviting ‘Expressions of Interest’
St Kevin’s Social Justice Action committee has in mind two alternative opportunities for supporting either Asylum Seekers or Refugees.
They are via two different programs, and work in ways that fit in with your interests and time.
Training and support provided. WWC required.
We’re arranging an information session. To find out more Register an Expression of Interest now via email to templestowe@cam.org.au.
John Costa 0409 967 207
Other SJA Committee members in alphabetical order are: Lawrence Cecconello, Terry Maher and Carmel Purdey.
* Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Response to the 2022 – 2023 Federal Budget
Edited Extract from Media Release, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, 26 October 2022
The 2022-23 Federal Budget has failed to live up to the public expectations for a more compassionate and fair country for refugees and people seeking asylum.
ASRC is deeply disappointed that key commitments have not been met in this budget, including increasing humanitarian intake, abolishing Temporary Protection Visas/Safe Haven Enterprise Visas and providing appropriate social services for people seeking asylum.
This highlights the need for the Government to meet the public’s expectations, its election promises and repair the damage done to Refugees / Asylum Seekers over the previous decade in the May 2023-24 budget.
Key Points
- No increase in social support for people seeking asylum
- No increase in the humanitarian intake
- Increase spending on offshore and onshore detention
- Increased funding for women on temporary visas facing domestic and family violence
- Lack of needed reform to address refugee visa backlog
Key Resources including Catholic Social Justice Statements
St Kevin’s Parish Special Collections Schedule 2023 (with Principles & Policies) HERE
Social Justice Statement from ACBC HERE
Social Justice Statement from Catholic Social Services HERE
