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GST increase: a surrogate debate
Peter Whiting
Taxation reform has become urgent for Australia, but, as Peter Whiting writes in our editorial, arguments to increase the GST must be seen in the broad perspective of fairness, equity, and providing opportunities, especially for struggling families and individuals. Social Policy Connections continues to scrutinise these issues, as well as that of the refugees.
Australia’s moral crisis: shipping babies & families off to Nauru
Bruce Duncan
Bruce Duncan outlines the growing protests about Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers, especially about sending babies and their families back to Nauru. The public mood has changed about the fate of these babies, urging Mr Turnbull to change government policy.
What has happened to the 11,990 Syrian refugees?
John Menadue
John Menadue asks why it is taking so long for the government to process the 12,000 refugees it offered to take from Syria. He points out that Canada is processing its Syrian refugees much more quickly than Australia.
Turning up the heat: how the diplomatic push for 1.5℃ unfolded in Paris
Bill Hare
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Bill Hare, in The Conversation, traces how the Paris climate conference chose to aim for a temperature rise of just 1.5 degrees, and considers obstacles to restricting global warming to that level.
A new gold rush in Iran?
Tony French reports on his impressions of Iran after a recent visit
SPC board member, Tony French, reports on his recent visit to Iran with his daughter, Kate. They were struck by the beauty of the country, its ancient culture, and the friendliness of the people.
The economic foundations of family life are being undermined: rumblings beneath
Brian Lawrence
Chairman Australian Catholic Council for Employment Relations 2007 to 2015.
Expert commentator and advocate, Brian Lawrence, analyses current debates about wages and living standards. He argues that living standards for many are being undermined. He explains how church and union groups have insisted on the essential morality of fair wages and living standards, and how these are threatened today.
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.
Conference
Review, reimagine, renew: mission making a difference in a changing world
Catholic Social Services Victoria
24-26 February 2016
Bookings Lucia Brick 03 9287 5566 | lucia.brick@css.org.au.
Full program $450. Discounts for groups and concessions, available.
Details here.
Wednesday 24 February 3-8pm.
Confronting family violence
Thursday 25 February 9am-5pm. Conference dinner 7pm.
A servant Church in a changing world, noted US commentator, John L Allen.
Dinner speaker Cathy McGowan AO MP
Friday 26 February 8:15am-4pm.
Addressing & preventing sexual abuse, Robert Fitzgerald AM, Maria Harries AM, Micaela Cronin.
Hearts & minds together for action, Julie Edwards.
Catholic social teaching in action, Professor Frank Brennan.