By Tony French.

On Saturday afternoons, I take to my couch. Not for a siesta, but to seek, with the weekend editions of the Age and Australian newspapers. What caught my attention was a report in the Australian (6 April) of a speech Rupert Murdoch had given as guest speaker on the 70th anniversary of the Institute of Public Affairs on 4 April 2013. The report, startlingly captioned Markets Radiate Morality, was juxtaposed with an equally eye-catching photograph of the patrician publisher himself. Up to now, I had been unaware of any agreed, let alone neo-liberal, nexus between markets and morality. Had this M&M radiance been obscured by my socialist presuppositions that morality and markets are generally thought to occur on different planets? To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo McCain speech on economic crisis 9/19/08 by mattlehrer, flickr cc.

SPC Forum

Ms Ged Kearney

President of the ACTU

And Professor Brian Howe

University of Melbourne Centre for Public Policy

The future of work

Tuesday 28 May 7:30pm

Held at the Study Centre, Yarra Theological Union, 34 Bedford Street, Box Hill
Light refreshments offered afterwards.

Professor Howe was Deputy Prime Minister of Australia (1991-95), a member of the Federal Cabinet (1984-96), and held a range of Ministerial portfolios in the fields of Defence, Social Security, Health, Housing, and Community Services. His administration of these portfolios was distinguished by major policy initiatives in Social Security reform of family payments and the introduction of Child Support, the National Mental Health Strategy, and the Commonwealth Dental Scheme. He was also responsible for important Commonwealth State initiatives such as the Commonwealth State Disability Agreement and the Building Better Cities program.

Elected President of the ACTU in 2010, Ged (Gerardine) Kearney was a registered nurse before becoming manager of the Clinical Nursing Education Department at Austin Health. In 2008, she was elected Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation, with its 200,000 members. She believes that unions should not be concerned only with experience at work, but with improving the lives of all Australians. She grew up in Richmond, the second youngest of nine, and has four children of her own aged from 16 to 23.

What I have learned about the churches & public policy

By Pat Power, Bishop Emeritus

Guest speaker at Social Policy Connections Forum 17 April 2013

Based in Canberra as auxiliary Catholic bishop for 27 years, Bishop Pat Power played a key role in civil and political affairs. He has been committed to promoting social consciousness, and to developing collaboration with other churches and religious groups. While acknowledging significant advances in human wellbeing in Australia, Bishop Pat said the churches still have much work to do to support disadvantaged groups, especially among Indigenous Australians, refugees and asylum seekers, and others struggling against hardship. To read this article in full, click HERE.

New Board members for SPC

Michael Liddy & Tony French

We are delighted to welcome two new members to SPC’s Board of Management.

Tony French is a lawyer who has written our sparkling editorial for May on Mr Rupert Murdoch’s views on markets and morality. We will profile Tony in a future issue of this newsletter.

Our second new Board member – Michael Liddy – has had a 35-year career as a forensic scientist, and in teaching forensic science at La Trobe, Charles Sturt, and Deakin universities where he held honorary appointments as Adjunct Professor.

Michael has been a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria for over 12 years, as a member of the Donvale Conference. He has been President of the Eastern Central Council for over 3.5 years, and on the Society’s Victorian State Council. He has served on several St V de P committees, including chairing the committee overseeing the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepoint in Melbourne, raising awareness of the issues facing more than 100,000 who are homeless or sleeping rough in our cities, and raising funds to support the works of the Society and VincentCare to assist the homeless. Michael was the respondent to Robert Fitzgerald, who presented the 2013 Ozanam Lecture in Melbourne.

Michael’s interests are in the Society’s social justice advocacy, enhancing members’ mission, and supporting initiatives to help those in greatest need.

Martin Flanagan

Spirituality in a secular society

Presented by the John Wallis Foundation. Continuing the vision and mission of the Missionary Sisters of Service.

11 June 2013 7-9pm

Madeleine Centre, Genazzano FCJ college, 301 Cotham Road, Kew.
Bookings at www.trybooking.com/45769, email Bonita at johnwallisfoundation@gmail.com, or call 03 9873 5520.
Adults $15, Concession $10.

Human rights & the NT Intervention : Issues facing NT Aboriginal people

With Michele Harris from concerned Australians

Monday 13 May 2013 7:30-9:30pm

St John’s Coghlan Centre, 494 Maroondah Highway, Mitcham
Enter via Elizabeth Street (Melway 48/J9). Parking available in school grounds.
RSVP by 10 May to Pia Pagotto 9887 3096, or Howard Tankey howardtankey@iprimus.com.au.

Michele Harris has engaged in human rights work for many years in Australia and overseas. concerned Australians, in association with the St John Social Justice Group, the Combined Churches Social Justice Group Whitehorse, and Whitehorse friends for Reconciliation are hosting this free information evening. Copies of A Decision to Discriminate will be available. To order a copy, view www.concernedaustralians.com.au.

Positions Vacant

Director (CEO)
Creative Ministries Network

CMN is a faith-based community and agency of UnitingCare in Victoria and Tasmania, committed to integrating arts-based activities into programs dedicated to healing, justice, and reconciliation. Obtain a position description and apply HERE, or call Paula Bradshaw on 03 9251 5477.

Project Officer (part-time)
Office for Justice & Peace, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

Contact Mark Clark on 03 9926 5710 or see cam.org.au/jobs.aspx.

Help support SPC

SPC relies on donations to expand the conversation about social justice

You can help by making a donation in one of these ways…

- Send your cheque or money order to our office at PO Box 505, Box Hill, Victoria 3128
- Transfer by Internet to Social Policy Connections Inc, BSB 083159, Account 792617040, referencing your surname and phone number
- Donate by credit card, using the DONATE form on our website.

Books available at SPC

Social Justice: Fuller life in a fairer world

By Bruce Duncan

$35, or $28 for financial members of SPC, plus $5 postage and handling.
Outlines social justice in the Scriptures, how later generations lived these values, and issues today of the economic crisis, equity, global poverty, hunger, climate change, peace, and indigenous issues. It highlights the contributions of Frederick Ozanam, Barbara Ward, Rosemary Goldie, Helder Camara, Joseph Cardijn, and Aboriginal activist ‘Mum Shirl’.

Sufficient for the Day: Towards a
Sustainable Culture

By Geoff Lacey

$20 plus postage.

“Geoff Lacey has something new and important to say about the roots of the environmental crisis and the way forward. His combination of deep reflection and practical attention to problems provides a much-needed corrective to a sustainability debate dominated by narrow economic perspectives.” Paul Mees, Senior Lecturer in Planning at RMIT.

Towards a Better World

By Arthur Gibbs

$15 plus postage.

An SPC member, Arthur worked as an economist. “Towards a Better World is a cautionary tale of what can happen when world leaders and corporations jump on an ideological bandwagon with little reflection about the long-term consequences for all.” Anne Tuohey.

Social Policy Connections featured video

Bishop Pat Power

What I have learned about the churches & public policy

To read Bishop Power’s address in full, click HERE.

Click HERE if the video does not display properly
Click HERE to view more SPC videos

What will Jorge Mario Bergoglio, elected Pope Francis on 13 March, bring as the 266th Bishop of Rome? Others might be wondering just what Justin Welby, installed as Archbishop of Canterbury on 21 March, will bring as the 105th occupant of the Chair of Saint Augustine. To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo His Holiness Pope Francis by Christus Vincent, flickr cc.

SPC Forum

Emeritus Bishop Pat Power

What I have learned about the churches & public policy

Wednesday 17 April 7:30pm
Held at the Study Centre, Yarra Theological Union, 34 Bedford Street, Box Hill
Tea/coffee and snacks provided afterwards.

What has the Iraq war taught us?

By Bruce Duncan

The tenth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq fell on 19 March, but one wonders if we have learned the lessons from that war. To mark the anniversary in Iraq, a bomb killed 50 people and wounded many more. For a country of 24.6 million in 2003 (31 million in 2012), the constant random killing and violence seem endless. We know now, of course, that the two major pretexts for the invasion were at least erroneous, if not outright lies: that Iraq was intent on building weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear ones, and that it was implicated in the terrorist attacks on the United States. To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo by Jayel Aheram, flickr cc.

Afghanistan – what should we do?

By Bill Frilay

Afghanistan has been described as ‘the graveyard of empires’. The British suffered defeats there before reaching agreement on the border between India and Afghanistan during the great empire game with Russia in the 19^th century. The former Soviet Union, too, had its nose well and truly bloodied when it invaded and occupied in 1979-88. The country is made up of tribal regions – only in 1747 did a leader of the Pushtun form a confederacy, and not until the 1830s did it take on the appearance of a single nation. Yet violence seems endemic; a hostile geographical environment hinders communications; the climate is very harsh; and above all there seems a fierceness in the people who defend their lands. It is traditionally peopled by regional tribes headed by warlords. Read this article by Bill Frilay on our website, or click HERE.

Photo courtesy San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives, flickr cc.

Help Support SPC

SPC relies on donations to expand the conversation about social justice
You can help by making a donation in one of these ways…
- Send your cheque or money order to our office at PO Box 505, Box Hill, Victoria 3128
- Transfer by Internet to Social Policy Connections Inc, BSB 083159, Account 792617040, referencing your surname and phone number
- Donate by credit card, using the DONATE form on our website.

Books available at SPC

Email admin@socialpolicyconnections.com.au to place your order.

NEW! Social Justice: Fuller life in a fairer world 
By Bruce Duncan

$35, or $28 for financial members of SPC, plus $5 postage and handling.
Outlines social justice in the Scriptures, how later generations lived these values, and issues today of the economic crisis, equity, global poverty, hunger, climate change, peace, and indigenous issues. It highlights the contributions of Frederick Ozanam, Barbara Ward, Rosemary Goldie, Helder Camara, Joseph Cardijn, and Aboriginal activist ‘Mum Shirl’.

Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture

By Geoff Lacey. $20 plus postage.
“Geoff Lacey has something new and important to say about the roots of the environmental crisis and the way forward. His combination of deep reflection and practical attention to problems provides a much-needed corrective to a sustainability debate dominated by narrow economic perspectives.” Paul Mees, Senior Lecturer in Planning at RMIT.

Towards a Better World

By Arthur Gibbs. $15 plus postage.
An SPC member, Arthur worked as an economist. “Towards a Better World is a cautionary tale of what can happen when world leaders and corporations jump on an ideological bandwagon with little reflection about the long-term consequences for all.” Anne Tuohey.

Social Policy Connections featured video

Bishop Vincent Long launches Bruce Duncan’s Social Justice: fuller life in a fairer world

Click HERE to watch the video.

Click HERE to view more SPC videos.

]]> http://www.socialpolicyconnections.com.au/?feed=rss2&p=6077 0 http://www.socialpolicyconnections.com.au/?p=6029 http://www.socialpolicyconnections.com.au/?p=6029#comments Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:43:16 +0000 Social Policy Connections http://www.socialpolicyconnections.com.au/?p=6029 By Bruce Duncan

Just when we thought demonising of asylum seekers was moderating, the Opposition’s spokesman on immigration, Scott Morrison, plunged the debate lower. He contended that, because an asylum seeker living in Sydney on a bridging visa had assaulted a young woman, all asylum seekers in the community should have to notify police of their whereabouts, and neighbours should be informed. He also called for a freeze on bridging visas which allow asylum seekers to live in the community.
To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre by DIAC Images, flickr cc

Bishop Vincent Long launches Bruce Duncan’s Social Justice: fuller life in a fairer world

Bishop Vincent Long launched Social Justice by
Fr Bruce Duncan on 1 March at the Cardinal Knox Centre in Melbourne. Bishop Long studied with Bruce at Yarra Theological College more than 20 years ago. Speaking to an audience of about 60 people, Bishop Long said :
“This book shows how concern for social justice is central to Christian faith, as the Scriptures insist. Jesus is the prophet of justice par excellence. As he declares in the Last Judgement scene in Matthew 25, God identifies with the sick, hungry, naked, the stranger. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man again emphasises that God takes very seriously our response to the poor …” To read this article in full, click HERE.
Photo Bishop Vincent Long

SPC Forums

Held at the Study Centre, Yarra Theological Union
34 Bedford Street, Box Hill
Tea/coffee and snacks provided afterwards

Emeritus Bishop Pat Power

Canberra Goulburn

What I have learned about the churches & public policy

Wednesday 17 April 7:30pm

Australia in the Asian Century?

A 10-week course with Professor Joe Camilleri

On Wednesday evenings from 1 May to 3 July in Collins Street Melbourne. Speakers include former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and former Foreign Minister Gareth Evans. Applications close 18 April. For information, see www.mire.org.au.

Invitation from the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project

How do the courts help give asylum seekers a ‘fair go’?

Tuesday 12 March 7:30-9:30pm

St Joseph’s Hall, 274 Rouse Street, Port Melbourne
Special guest Matthew Albert, barrister and lecturer in public law at Melbourne University Law School

Help Support SPC

SPC relies on donations to expand the conversation about social justice.

You can help by making a donation in one of these ways…
- Send your cheque or money order to our office at PO Box 505, Box Hill, Victoria 3128
- Transfer by Internet to Social Policy Connections Inc, BSB 083159, Account 792617040, referencing your surname and phone number
- Donate by credit card, using the DONATE form on our website

Books available at SPC

NEW! Social Justice: Fuller life in a fairer world by Bruce Duncan

$35, or $28 for financial members of SPC, plus $5 postage and handling.
Outlines social justice in the Scriptures, how later generations lived these values, and issues today of the economic crisis, equity, global poverty, hunger, climate change, peace, and indigenous issues. It highlights the contributions of Frederick Ozanam, Barbara Ward, Rosemary Goldie, Helder Camara, Joseph Cardijn, and Aboriginal activist ‘Mum Shirl’.

Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture

By Geoff Lacey.
$20 plus postage.
Geoff Lacey has something new and important to say about the roots of the environmental crisis and the way forward. His combination of deep reflection and practical attention to problems provides a much-needed corrective to a sustainability debate dominated by narrow economic perspectives. Paul Mees, Senior Lecturer in Planning at RMIT.

Towards a Better World

By Arthur Gibbs.
$15 plus postage.
An SPC member, Arthur worked as an economist. “Towards a Better World is a cautionary tale of what can happen when world leaders and corporations jump on an ideological bandwagon with little reflection about the long-term consequences for all.” Anne Tuohey.

Social Policy Connections featured video

Faith, values, & social policy

Fr Bruce Duncan CSsR
Click HERE if the video does not display properly.
Click HERE to view more SPC videos.

Peter Whiting, SPC Chair

What a start to 2013! Bushfires and floods have created a real unease, not only for the immediate dire effects, but also for what they forebode as effects of global warming. Prime Minister Gillard has announced the election date for September, and political parties are preparing for many months of campaigning. Some of our major institutions are lacking in moral authority, as, locally, politicians are arraigned in court for dishonesty, and the churches are called to account before the Commission on sexual abuse of Children; internationally, world organisations are unable to present compelling united action in response to poverty, famine, and war. To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo Residents escaping from the floodwaters, Department of Defence, flickr cc

Global warnings : fires & flood

Anne Tuohey

Australians have always lived with a healthy regard for the ravages of nature, including the fairly regular threat of bushfires and floods across our vast land, but the frequency and severity of these disasters is deeply disturbing, most especially of course for those directly affected. Welcome to the new reality that is the consequence of climate change. To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo Yarra Valley under Smoke, SplaTT, flickr cc

Good news on renewables

The era of King Coal may be coming to an end, as the cost of wind and solar power continues to fall below the cost of new coal-fired power stations. Research indicates that costs of wind and photovoltaic power will continue to fall significantly, even apart from the impact of the carbon tax. To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo Mongolian Family Uses Solar Energy to Power Home, United Nations Photo, flickr cc

Book launch with Bishop Vincent Long OFMConv

Social Justice: Fuller life in a fairer world by Bruce Duncan CSsR

Friday 1 March 5:30pm

Cathedral Room, Knox Centre, Ground Floor, 383 Victoria Parade, East MelbourneTo help with catering, please let us know if you wish to come, at admin@socialpolicyconnections.com.au or 9890 1077.

Serious about social justice?

Consider study through the Colleges of MCD University of Divinity, including Yarra Theological Union at Box Hill, United Faculty of Theology, Catholic Theological College, and Whitley College.

Undergraduate and Masters courses include :

- Justice in the Bibe &in Church Traditions
- Issues of War & Peace
- Philosophy of Justice
- Medical Ethics
- Human Rights
- Indigenous Issues
- Ethics of Economics & Development
- History, Mission, Leadership
- Inter-Religious Dialogue

For further information, see www.mcd.edu.au and www.ytu.edu.au.

Help support SPC

SPC relies on donations to expand the conversation about social justice. You can help by making a donation in one of these ways :

- Send your cheque or money order to PO Box 505, Box Hill, Victoria 3128
- Transfer by Internet to Social Policy Connections Inc, BSB 083159, Account 792617040, referencing your last name and ‘phone number
- By credit card, using the DONATE form on our website at http://www.socialpolicyconnections.com.au/?page_id=53.

Books available at SPC

NEW! Social Justice: Fuller life in a fairer world
by Bruce Duncan
$35, or $28 for financial members of SPC,
plus $5 postage and handling.
Outlines social justice in the Scriptures, how later generations lived these values, and issues today of the economic crisis, equity, global poverty, hunger, climate change, peace, and indigenous issues. It highlights the contributions of Frederick Ozanam, Barbara Ward, Rosemary Goldie, Helder Camara, Joseph Cardijn, and Aboriginal activist ‘Mum Shirl’. Download an order form HERE.

Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture
by Geoff Lacey. $20 plus postage.
Geoff Lacey has something new and important to say about the roots of the environmental crisis and the way forward. His combination of deep reflection and practical attention to problems provides a much-needed corrective to a sustainability debate dominated by narrow economic perspectives. Paul Mees, Senior Lecturer in Planning at RMIT. Download an order form HERE.

Towards a Better World by Arthur Gibbs. $15 plus postage. An SPC member, Arthur worked as an economist. Towards a Better World is a cautionary tale of what can happen when world leaders and corporations jump on an ideological bandwagon with little reflection about the long-term consequences for all. Anne Tuohey. Download an order form HERE.

We extend our thanks to all our members and supporters who have encouraged us at Social Policy Connections to continue our efforts during 2012 to energise debate and action fo growing justice in our nation and our world. We endeavour to keep expanding the conversation and encouraging everyone to contribute where he or she can. To read this article in full, click HERE.

Tough times challenge the Christmas message

By Bruce Duncan

Each generation faces difficult times. Yet the challenges facing us are altogether unique: the fate of future generations is in our hands because of climate change. Worldwide CO2 emissions are reportedly increasing more quickly than expected, and global warming could rise much more than the 2-degree increase in temperature that United Nations organisations had urged as an upper limit. To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo Christmas Gujarati Style by Meanest Indian, flickr cc

Help support SPC

SPC relies entirely on donations to continue and expand the conversation about social justice and advocacy

You can help by making a donation in one of these ways…

• Send your cheque or money order to our office at PO Box 505, Box Hill, Victoria 3128
• Make an online transfer to Social Policy Connections Inc, BSB 083159, Account 792617040, referencing your last name and phone number
• Donate by credit card, using our DONATE FORM. 

Social Justice studies

Serious about social justice?

Consider study through the Colleges of MCD University of Divinity, including Yarra Theological Union at Box Hill, United Faculty of Theology, Catholic Theological College, and Whitley College.

Undergraduate and Masters courses include:

• Justice in the Bible & in Church Traditions
• Issues of War & Peace
• Philosophy of Justice
• Medical Ethics
• Human Rights
• Indigenous Issues
• Ethics of Economics & Development
• History, Mission, Leadership
• Inter-Religious Dialogue & Spirituality

For further information, see http://mcd.edu.au/ and http://ytu.edu.au/.

Books available at SPC

NEW! Social Justice: Fuller life in a fairer world
by Bruce Duncan
$35, or $28 for financial members of SPC,
plus $5 postage and handling.
Outlines social justice in the Scriptures, how later generations lived these values, and issues today of the economic crisis, equity, global poverty, hunger, climate change, peace, and indigenous issues. It highlights the contributions of Frederick Ozanam, Barbara Ward, Rosemary Goldie, Helder Camara, Joseph Cardijn, and Aboriginal activist ‘Mum Shirl’. Download an order form HERE.

Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture
by Geoff Lacey. $20 plus postage.
Geoff Lacey has something new and important to say about the roots of the environmental crisis and the way forward. His combination of deep reflection and practical attention to problems provides a much-needed corrective to a sustainability debate dominated by narrow economic perspectives. Paul Mees, Senior Lecturer in Planning at RMIT. Download an order form HERE.

Towards a Better World by Arthur Gibbs. $15 plus postage. An SPC member, Arthur worked as an economist. Towards a Better World is a cautionary tale of what can happen when world leaders and corporations jump on an ideological bandwagon with little reflection about the long-term consequences for all. Anne Tuohey. Download an order form HERE.

Faith, values, & social policy

By Bruce Duncan

At a public forum following SPC’s 7th Annual General Meeting on 21 November 2012, Bruce Duncan CssR spoke on Faith, values, & social policy, how faith perspectives bear on values in society, and could help social policies to address major issues of equity, social justice, and climate change. He began:

“Our topic is a complex one, reflecting themes deep in our history over many hundreds of years. The issues were often contentious, dealing with the role of religious groups in society, particularly the churches, their views about human values, their relationships with civil society, governments, and debates over social policy. The cultural accommodation to these various pressures in our increasingly secular societies has been to pressure religiously-inspired voices out of the public forum, nd to privatise their views and activities. But many religious traditions resist this pressure, and claim a right to engage in the public forum in debates about values and social policies in general. Social Policy Connections is  one such group that seeks to draw from our faith traditions’ core values to enhance people’s lives, and to help address social issues.”

To read the full text of this talk, click HERE.
To listen to the podcast of this talk in full, click HERE.

The Human Rights Matters Conference highlighted the fact that the poorer and more marginalised you are, the more likely you are to experience human rights violations. This event on 17 October during Anti-Poverty Week was jointly organised by ACOSS, the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH), The Uniting Church, and Social Policy Connections. To read this article in full, click HERE. To read Ross Gittins’ article in the Sydney Morning Herald 17 October 2012, Poverty, always the poor relation, click HERE. Read Fr Frank Brennan’s article, Advancing Human Rights in Australia, Melbourne, Human Rights Matters Conference 16 October 2012 HERE.

Photos from the Human Rights Matters Conference. Left: Cassandra Goldie of ACOSS with Brian Dalton, General Secretary of St Vincent de Paul Victoria. Right: Dr Mark Zirnsak of the Uniting Church Justice & International Mission with Cassandra Goldie.

The 7th Annual General Meeting of
Social Policy Connections

Wednesday 21 November 2012 7pm

The Study Centre, Yarra Theological Union, 34 Bedford Street, Box Hill
Refreshments offered afterwards

Followed at 7:30 by a separate public forum

Faith, values, & public policy

With Fr Bruce Duncan
One of the founders of SPC, and Director of the Yarra Institute for Religion & Social Policy, Fr Duncan coordinates the program of social justice studies at Yarra Theological Union.

Professor Kevin O’Connor:
Planning Melbourne’s future

By Anne Tuohey

Professor Kevin O’Connor is a Professorial Fellow in Urban Planning at the University of Melbourne. He spoke at Social Policy Connections on
24 November about his concept of The Five Melbournes. Melbournians have long been obsessed with proximity to their city’s centre, and this feature is often promoted as a drawcard when we are choosing where to live. And yet, as Kevin identified in his talk, Melbourne is no longer a monocentric city; rather, it is now particularly polycentric. To read Anne’s article in full, click HERE. To read a response to Kevin O’Connor by Len Puglisi, a former urban planner with State and local governments, click HERE. Professor O’Connor develops his ideas about Five Melbournes in this interview.

Photo Melbourne Jan 2010 by Sagar R, flickr cc.

Social Justice studies

Serious about social justice? Consider study through the Colleges of MCD University of Divinity, including Yarra Theological Union at Box Hill, United Faculty of Theology, Catholic Theological College, and Whitley College.
Undergraduate and Masters courses include :
- Justice in the Bible & in Church Traditions
- Issues of War & Peace
- Philosophy of Justice
- Medical Ethics
- Human Rights
- Indigenous Issues
- Ethics of Economics & Development
- History, Mission, Leadership
- Inter-Religious Dialogue & Spirituality.
For further information, see www.mcd.edu.au and www.ytu.edu.au.

Books available at SPC

NEW! Social Justice: Fuller life in a fairer world
by Bruce Duncan
$35, or $28 for financial members, plus $5 postage and handling.
Outlines social justice in the Scriptures, how later generations lived this, and issues today of the economic crisis, equity, global poverty, hunger, climate change, peace, and indigenous issues. It highlights contributions of Frederick Ozanam, Barbara Ward, Rosemary Goldie, Helder Camara, Joseph Cardijn, and Aboriginal activist ‘Mum Shirl’.

Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture
by Geoff Lacey. $20 plus postage.
Geoff Lacey has something new and important to say about the roots of the environmental crisis and the way forward. His combination of deep reflection and practical attention to problems provides a much-needed corrective to a sustainability debate dominated by narrow economic perspectives. Paul Mees, Senior Lecturer in Planning at RMIT.

Towards a Better World by Arthur Gibbs. $15 plus postage. An SPC member, Arthur worked as an economist. Towards a Better World is a cautionary tale of what can happen when world leaders and corporations jump on an ideological bandwagon with little reflection about the long-term consequences for all. Anne Tuohey.

Anne Tuohey.

This year’s Social Justice Statement from the Catholic Bishops of Australia is entitled The Gift of Family in Difficult Times. It describes a range of family issues which reinforce the unique contribution of families, and is a timely reminder of the many dimensions to family, including the diverse caring roles. While not surprising for a Church document, it is nonetheless disappointing that the issue of same-sex families is not discussed. Acknowledgement and respect, while not the same as acceptance, are always worthwhile first steps. To read this article in full, click HERE.

SPC Forum

Held at the Study Centre, Yarra Theological Union
34 Bedford Street, Box Hill
Tea/coffee and snacks provided afterwards

Critical planning issues facing our city
and the liveability of Melbourne

Kevin O’Connor

Professorial Fellow Urban Planning University of Melbourne

Wednesday 24 October 7pm

How do we really relate to the city of Melbourne? Kevin O’Connor argues that there are in fact five distinct Melbournes – the inner city, and, fanning out from the centre, areas in the east, west, north, and south. Why, then, do we maintain a monocentric view of our city, and what is wrong with this approach? For a flyer for this event, click HERE.

National Council of Churches: Peace in the Marketplace

Peace in the marketplace challenges us to reflect on and advocate for ways to promote change in our current world economic situation. This document is a valuable resource for anyone interested in social justice, particularly as it relates to economic policy. Quoting from the scriptures and from significant church, political, and community leaders, Peace in the Marketplace provides perspectives which challenge the status quo. Available from the National Council of Churches HERE. To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo Market in Mopti, Mali,West Africa Emilio Labrador, flickr cc.

Philip Blond’s ‘Big Society’ ideas

Extolled by its creator as a panacea for society’s ills is UK theologian and philosopher Philip Blond’s idea of the Big Society. In a world struggling with the polarities of wealth and poverty and a sense of impending doom, the concept of A Big Society suggests that at centre stage should be society rather than the economy. Blond’s ideas contain some thoughtful insights; readers may be interested in contributing to the analysis, and we welcome your comments. To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo Susan Hect Boston GS Protest americans4financialreform, flickr cc

Books available at SPC

NEW! Social Justice: Fuller life in a fairer world by Bruce Duncan.
$35, or $28 for financial members, plus $5 postage and handling.

Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture by Geoff Lacey. $20 plus postage.

Towards a Better World by Arthur Gibbs. $15 plus postage. an SPC member, Arthur worked as an economist.

Social Justice studies

Serious about social justice?

Consider study at the MCD University of Divinity and Yarra Theological Union on issues of the Bible and justice, human rights, war and peace, medical ethics, etc. For further information, click HERE.

Network events

Human Rights Matters! Conference

Wednesday 17 October 8:30 for 9:15am-5pm
Cardinal Knox Centre, 383 Albert Street, East Melbourne
To apply for bookings, click HERE.
Keynote Speakers. Dr Cassandra Goldie ACOSS Can we still be called the lucky country?  |  Beth Wilson Victorian Health Services Commissioner Human rights in relation to health |  Mark  Zirnsak Human Trafficking  |  Dr John Falzon St Vincent de Paul Learnings & possibilities. For the flyer for this event, click HERE.

ACOSS has spearheaded a community campaign to increase the unemployment allowance, Newstart, which is well below other social security payments. Along with other church and community agencies, Social Policy Connections is calling for an immediate increase, as a matter of urgency, of $50 per week. We are also calling for all statutory incomes to be regularly reviewed and properly indexed to wages. The Federal Government has indicated that it is not intending to increase the payment at this stage.
For further information on the campaign, click HERE.
To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo img_0986 by Dmitri Beljan, flickr cc

SPC Forums

Held at the Study Centre, Yarra Theological Union
34 Bedford Street, Box Hill
Tea/coffee and snacks provided afterwards.

Critical planning issues facing our city and the future liveability of Melbourne

Kevin O’Connor Professorial Fellow Urban Planning University of Melbourne

Wednesday 24 October 7pm

How do we really relate to the city of Melbourne? Kevin O’Connor argues that there are in fact five distinct Melbournes – the inner city, and, fanning out from the centre, areas in the east, west, north, and south. Why, then, do we maintain a monocentric view of our city, and what is wrong with this approach?
For a flyer for this event, click HERE.

Network Events

Human Rights Matters! Conference

Wednesday 17 October

Registration from 8:30 for 9:15am start. Close 5pm.
Cardinal Knox Centre, 383 Albert Street, East Melbourne.
To apply for bookings, go to our SPC website, or Click HERE.
Keynote Speakers:
Dr Cassandra Goldie, ACOSS: Can we still be called the lucky country?
Susan Ryan, Age Discrimination Commissioner: Human rights & aging
Mark Zirnsak: Human Trafficking
Dr John Falzon, St Vincent de Paul: Learnings & possibilities.
For the flyer for this event, click HERE.

Increasing utility costs hit low-income groups hardest

By Gavin Dufty

Households across Australia have recently seen sustained increases in gas, electricity, and water pricing. Factors driving these price increases vary from state to state. However, they include increased costs associated with infrastructure, such as poles and
wires, gas pipe upgrades, and water infrastructure investment such as desalination plants. Costs associated with addressing climate change and other environmental issues are other factors, including the carbon tax, renewable energy targets, smart meters, and solar feed-in tariff. All this has seen an increase of around $1,000 over the past four years for basic energy services. While water costs have risen, they have not been as dramatic.
To read this article in full, click HERE.

Photo Electricity by Eva Cristescu, flickr cc

Australia’s social security system’s abandonment of equity

Dr Philip Mendes

Endorsing SPC’s concerns about social equity in Australia, Monash University’s Philip Mendes spoke on the unfairness in our social security system. Philip challenged the presumption that Australia is a country which values a fair go for everyone. The truth is that many do not receive a fair go at all. The inadequacy of social security payments, in particular Newstart, is one striking example of inequitable treatment of certain citizens by successive governments.
To read this article in full, click HERE.
To hear an audio podcast of Dr Philip Mendes, click HERE.

Photo equity pigeons by cascade_of_rant, flickr cc

Fruits & Future of Vatican II

Symposium on the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council

19-21 September

Catholic Theological College, 278 Victoria Parade East Melbourne.
Keynote Speakers Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Professor Alberto Melloni, Professor Gerald O’Collins. Plus numerous workshops.
Sponsored by Yarra Theological Union, Australian Catholic University, Catholic Theological College, and Jesuit Theological College.
Enquiries admin@ytu.edu.au. Details http://www.acu.edu.au/420814.

Social Policy Connections featured video

Dr Philip Mendes How has the Australian Government responded to unemployment?
Click HERE if the video does not display properly
Click HERE to view more SPC videos

Please click HERE for a PDF version of this newsletter.

Finding the right balance

Anne Tuohey

Media commentary on Australian politics continues to be full of the same messages, indicating that we lack a strong narrative on where Australia is going. We rely too heavily on some sectors, especially the mining sector, at the expense of others. We lack a common purpose, and the community has lost confidence.

Click HERE to read this article in full.

Photo balance scale by winifredxoxo, flickr cc.

SPC Forums

Held at The Study Centre, Yarra Theological Union
34 Bedford Street, Box Hill.

Entry by donation. Tea/coffee and snacks served afterwards.

Australia’s income security system & the abandonment of equity
Dr Philip Mendes, Director Social Inclusion & Social Policy Research Unit, Monash University
Wednesday 22 August 2012 7:30pm

Those who can work should, and those who cannot should be properly supported to achieve a full life. How does Australia fare in relation to this? Philip Mendes’s talk promises an honest examination of unemployment and income support in Australia. He suggests a better way, advocating for a participation income which incorporates activities to enhance wellbeing and connection. Click HERE for a flyer for this event.

Peace with people, peace with our planet: a Franciscan perspective
Friar Joseph Rozansky
Friday 31 August 2012 7:30-9pm

Director in Rome of the Franciscan Secretariat for Justice, Peace, & the Integrity of Creation (JPIC), which coordinates Franciscan networks around the world for justice, environment, and peace. Joseph led the Franciscan group at the Rio+20 Summit this year. Click HERE for a flyer for this event.

Race Mathews: Why co-operatives are important

Anne Tuohey

Co-operatives have played a major role in taming problems in capitalist economics, and can do so in the future as well, according to Dr Race Mathews, speaking at an SPC forum on 25 July. This year is the United Nations International Year of the Co-operative. Against the background of the global financial crisis, Dr Mathews pointed to co-operatives as an alternative way to organise capitalist eocnomies, ensuring people working in an enterprise could share in ownership and management of their firms, enhance their control over their own jobs, and ensure increased equity and social participation.

Click HERE to read this article in full.

See below for the podcast of Race Matthews’ presentation.

Books available from SPC

Santamaria’s Salesman: Working for the National Catholic Rural Movement 1959-1961

By Kevin Peoples
Special discount $40 plus postage.

Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture

By Geoff Lacey
$20 plus postage

Towards a Better World

By Arthur Gibbs (an SPC member who worked as an economist)
$15 plus postage

Network Events

Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez, President Caritas Internationalis
Challenging social exclusion & building a fairer world
Tuesday 14 August 5:30-7:30pm

Cardinal Knox Centre, 383 Albert Street, East Melbourne
RSVP margaret@caritas.org.au
From Honduras, Cardinal oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga is a staunch defender of human rights, especially in the fight against global poverty. Click HERE for a flyer for this event.

Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez with Fr Frank Brennan
Indigenous peoples of the world
Sunday 19 August 5pm

Newman College, 887 Swanston Street, Parkville

Human Rights Matters! Conference
Wednesday 17 October

See our website for further information

New on our website

The podcast of Race Mathews’ talk at SPC 25 July on Why co-operatives are important. Click HERE.

Kevin Peoples’ article, From Fear & Control to Freedom & Hope. Click HERE.

More SPC videos

Click HERE to view more SPC videos.

Please click HERE for a PDF version of this newsletter

Looking for solutions in seeking asylum in Australia

By Anne Tuohey

The human tragedy of so many asylum seekers drowning as they make their treacherous journey to Australia continues to be a scourge on our collective conscience. Many Australians have lobbied the government – indeed the parliament – to embrace a compassionate response to asylum seekers, whose desperation drives them to take these dangerous journeys.

Click HERE to read this article in full.

Photo Offshore winds on the SS Gairloch shipwreck by dcysurfer/Dave Young, flickr cc

SPC Forums

Dr Race Matthews: Cooperatives, social equity, & participation

Wednesday 25 July 2012 7:30pm

The Study Centre, Yarra Theological Union, 34 Bedford Street, Box Hill. Entry by donation. Tea/coffee and nibbles available.

A prolific writer on cooperatives and how they might contribute to improved economic life in Australia, Dr Race Matthews has studied what we could learn from one of the phenomenal cooperatives at Mondragon in Spain, particularly in developing enterprises which enhance equity and participation.

Click HERE for a flyer for this event.

Coming in August

Dr Philip Mendes: Australia’s income security system and the abandonment of equity

Could you live on the $35 a day provided by NewStart?

Kevin Peoples’ account of the Catholic Rural Movement

By Anne Tuohey

Kevin Peoples knew he had a fascinating story to tell that would provide a personal first-hand insight into the world of the National Catholic Rural Movement and Bob Santamaria. Kevin spent 6 years writing Santamaria’s Salesman: Working for the National Catholic Rural Movement 1959-1961. Those who braved a particularly cold June evening to hear Kevin speak were rewarded with a fascinating story. He interwove aspects of the history and purpose of the movement with his own perspective on growing up Catholic in the 1950s in a small country town.

Click HERE to read this article in full.

Click HERE for the podcast of Kevin’s presentation.

Books available from SPC

Santamaria’s Salesman: Working for the National Catholic

Rural Movement 1959-1961

By Kevin Peoples

Special discount $40 plus postage.

Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture

By Geoff Lacey

$20 plus postage

Towards a Better World

By Arthur Gibbs (an SPC member who worked as an economist)

$15 plus postage

Network Events

Leaving refugees in limbo

Public meeting held by Refugee Action Collective (Vic)

Wednesday 11 July 6:30pm

The Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

refugeeactioncollective@gmail.com, or Chris 0403 013 183

Speakers Declan Murphy (Refugee Action Collective), Niromi de Soyza (Author Tamil Tigress), Harvey Stern (President Labor for Refugees), Brian Walters SC (human rights lawyer).

This public meeting will discuss indefinite detention for refugees, and call for their release into the community.

Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez (President Caritas Internationalis) with Fr Frank Brennan

Indigenous peoples of the world

Sunday 19 August 5pm

Newman College, 887 Swanston Street, Parkville.

New on our website

The podcast of Kevin Peoples’ talk at SPC 20 June on his book Santamaria’s Salesman: Working for the National Catholic Rural Movement 1959-1961. Click HERE.

Bill Frilay on US drones – are they ethical? Click HERE.

Social Policy Connections featured video

Santamaria’s Salesman: Working for the National Catholic Rural Movement 1959-1961
Click HERE if the video does not display properly

Click HERE to view more SPC videos