Newsletters



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December 2008 - January 2009

* The shock waves from the US financial collapse are still sending tsunamis through the global economy
* Memorandum of Understanding between Yarra Theological Union and the Yarra Institute for Religion and Social Policy signed
* SPC understands its brief as covering the broader range of questions about values in society and their policy implications
* Christmas message
* Past achievements and future priorities
* Special thanks to Emmy Silvius

November 2008

* The financial crisis has forced us back to fundamentals in search of a new economics with a richer view of the good for all
* Yarra Institute formally endorsed by YTU
* AGM and changes to SPC Board
* 80 people attend Dr Hilary Martin’s talk on federal intervention in NT

October 2008

* Consequences of financial crisis for MDG campaign to overcome hunger
* Mr Rudd at the UN
* Need for fresh vision
* Close of PolMin
* SPC forum to hear head of Micah Challenge International

September 2008

* Turmoil in world economy threatens Millennium Development Goals - Australia must do more.
* Successful move to Box Hill
* Progress with Yarra Institute for Religion and Social Policy
* Website developments

August 2008

This edition includes:

* Comments on responses to climate change
* The move from Richmond to Box Hill for SPC and Yarra Institute for Religion and Social Policy
* Developments and additions to our website including an invitation to submissions from our members

July 2008

Speaking at the conclusion of the “7th International Conference on Globalisation of the Common Good – an inter-faith perspective” in Melbourne in early July, Dr Camilleri said that the human future depended on how well we dispel fears and stereotypes to develop wider circles of friendship and understanding among peoples.

Our hopes for SPC and its research offshoot, the Yarra Institute for Religion and Social Policy, centre on four major areas:
1. Spreading the conversation about a new global ethic
2. Redeveloping economic thinking
3. Strengthening public opinion
4. Widening the constituency of people concerned about war, nuclear weapons and conflict resolution.

May 2008

Crisis in ethics
Website nearly ready
Yarra Institute's new home
Research project: faith & social commitment
New office manager: Emmy Silvius

Given recent world events, the need for organisations like SPC is even more evident. Economic and social systems depend ultimately on the basic human values of honesty, trust, social equity and justice. Defending and articulating these values is the core business of SPC.

March 2008

The election of the new Commonwealth government under the leadership of Kevin Rudd indicates a significant shift in the mood of Australia. Not only is the new government beginning an overhaul of public policies, but it is giving greater weight to social values and equity.

The extraordinary events around the government’s apology to our indigenous peoples touched an emotional chord rarely felt so strongly in this country. In addition, planning for the withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq is proceeding, and at last the crisis of climate change and global warming is receiving serious attention.

The unprecedented approval ratings for Kevin Rudd as the new Prime Minister do not change the fact that the task of reshaping many public policies has only just begun. The government is calling for public consultations and input from many groups.

December 2007

As we move into the New Year, we are writing to bring you up to date with developments at Social Policy Connections. As you will see, we have been making significant progress and are now positioned to move ahead swiftly.

October 2007

Following our recent successful event series , we wish to pause and thank you for your support as an SPC member or as one of our supporters promoting SPC throughout your networks, attending events or just receiving our information.

We are now poised for launch and as part of our planning process we would much appreciate members input and feedback. Your committee has identified 4 contemporary issues: fairness in Australian society, stewardship of our planet, global poverty and war and peace issues as areas of particular concern and we need to develop position statements on these issues. To ensure our positions reflect SPC member views we ask for a flood of feedback please. Financial members will find the questionnaire attached. Please complete and return to us as soon as possible.