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Colebatch on tax reform
As Tim Colebatch, former economics editor of the Age, said at a Social Policy Connections forum on 21 October, key community sectors have been engaging in worthwhile conversations about what needs to be done to raise enough income to improve living conditions and plan for increasing populations.
Taxing talk, or tax reform?
Tony French
Seventy-six women have died
from violence this year
Jenny Begent
Australians can be sustainable without sacrificing lifestyle or economy
Steve Hatfield-Dodds, Chief Scientist Integration Science & Public Policy CSIRO
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article
A sustainable Australia is possible. But we have to choose it. That’s the finding of a paper published in Nature. The paper is the result of a project delivering the first Australian National Outlook Report, more than two years in the making, also released by the CSIRO.
As part of this analysis, the study looked at whether achieving sustainability will require a shift in our values, such as rejecting consumerism. It also looked at the contributions of choices made by individuals (for example, reducing water or energy consumption), and of choices made collectively by society (such policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions).
The study found that collective policy choices are crucial, and that Australia could make great progress towards sustainability without changes in social values.
Cleaning up the mess
in climate policy
Nicholas Rowley
More than ten years ago, analysis by Ken Henry under then Treasurer Peter Costello recommended a national emissions trading scheme. The advice was ignored. In 2006, John Howard asked Peter Shergold, then Head of the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet, to examine the most effective ways to achieve the emissions reductions required. He, too, concluded that an emissions trading scheme was necessary. Wanting to adopt his own approach, the advice was ignored by incoming Prime Minister Rudd.
Mr Abbott unveiled:
his Thatcher speech
Bruce Duncan
What worried Catholics, among others, was Abbott’s apparent neglect of core Christian social values about care for the distressed and vulnerable, social equity, and justice. We wondered how his government could treat asylum seekers so cruelly. We were further confounded by the first Abbott budget which hit poor sections of the community hard, while favouring the well-off.
Pope Francis
prioritising social justice
Bruce Duncan
The Synod of Bishops issued a statement on 26 October, appealing for purposeful action at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) to be held in Paris in late November, when international leaders meet to sign commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Representatives from the world’s seven continental areas appealed for a “fair, legally-binding, and truly transformational agreement” to address global warming and avoid the catastrophic consequences of climate change threatening millions of people.
Synod members called for complete decarbonisation of the economy by 2050, and for new models of lifestyle and development. They said those countries responsible for most of the greenhouse gases are ethically obliged to take the lead in emissions reduction, and to help poor countries adjust and raise living standards. They also called for a new economic growth model ensuring inclusion of the poor, social equity, sustainability, and decent living standards for all. They see the upcoming conference as a decisive moment for action to redress climate change.
Social Policy Connections
Annual General Meeting
34 Bedford Street Box Hill
Dr Augustine Doronila
In search of a sustainable future:
the Paris climate conference & the impact of Pope Francis
Serious about
social justice?
Consider study at Yarra Theological Union (YTU), or at other colleges within the University of Divinity in Melbourne. Undergraduate to higher degrees.
YTU units include :
- Justice & Human Rights
- The History of Catholic Social Thought & Movements
- Equity & Sustainability: Pope Francis & Social Reform
- Major Issues in Contemporary Moral Theology
- Inter-Religious Dialogue
- Social Teaching & Aboriginal Australians
Contact the Dean of Studies Yarra Theological Union 98 Albion Road Box Hill 3128 | admin@ytu.edu.au | 03 9890 3771.
Download the YTU handbook and a list of other University of Divinity colleges.
Youth Collaboration Network
A new collaborative network of youth groups to build capacity through sharing skills and resources to maximise each group’s ability to assist the community.
Forum 1
Wednesday 25 November 8:15-12:30 (lunch)
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, Gerald Ward House, 43 Prospect Street, Box Hill
Communities of practice: establishing sustainable collaboration
For key people in your organisation responsible for development of youth and education policy, structure, and operations. Up to 3 people per organisation.
RSVP Wednesday 18 November michael.walter@svdp-vic.org.au, advising dietary requirements
Books available at SPC
Edited by John D’Arcy May $25+$5 postage and handling.
Towards a better world. Arthur Gibbs $10+$5.