Author: Media Release

Law Council welcomes budget funding to CLCs

Law Council welcomes budget funding to CLCs

Posted by | May 10, 2017 | , , |

Vital new funding for the federal courts, along with the reversal of cuts to community legal centres (CLCs) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS), shows that the Government is heeding the concerns of the legal profession about Australia’s justice funding. Law Council of Australia President, Fiona McLeod SC, said “For years the federal and family courts have been chronically underfunded, creating damaging delays and impeding access to justice. In Sydney, for example, it can take three years from the start of a family separation case to reach final judgment. “The new funding for family consultants, announced...

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Budget cuts another $303.3 million from foreign aid

Budget cuts another $303.3 million from foreign aid

Posted by | May 10, 2017 | , , |

Caritas Australia has expressed deep disappointment in this year’s federal budget, with a fourth consecutive cut to the overseas aid program that sees another $303.3 million taken from the poor. This comes at a time when the world is experiencing a range of unprecedented humanitarian crises, with over 20 million people facing starvation in East Africa and Yemen and tens of millions of people fleeing war and persecution in Syria. Caritas Australia’s Head of Advocacy, Negaya Chorley said these humanitarian crises combined with rising inequality and the growing impacts of climate change mean Australian leadership is now more important...

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Phil Monsour to launch new album in West End

Phil Monsour to launch new album in West End

Posted by | May 10, 2017 | , , , |

Musician and union activist Phil Monsour will be launching a new album of union and solidarity songs on the 27th of May at Kurilpa Hall in WEST END Brisbane at 7pm The One Song One Union album features a song dedicated to each participating union, the Maritime Union of Australia, the Electrical Trades Union, the Queensland Teachers’ Union, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, the Queensland Nurses’ Union, United Voice and the Queensland Council of Unions. For a year, Phil met with unionists, listening to their inspiring work and writing songs to capture their defiant spirit. The themes often overlapped:...

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Budget 2017: The Good the Bad and the Unfair

Budget 2017: The Good the Bad and the Unfair

Posted by | May 10, 2017 | , |

UnitingCare Australia’s National Director Claerwen Little says despite some constructive measures the 2017 Federal Budget needed to do more for the most vulnerable Australians. “The commitment to fund the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by an increase in the Medicare levy is a significant measure and a landmark worthy of celebrating,” said Ms Little. “The full funding of the NDIS from 2020 will afford greater dignity and independence to Australians with permanent and significant disability.” But Ms Little lamented punitive measures targeting the unemployed and welfare recipients. “The very worst elements of this Budget impose harsh compliance measures on...

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We remember those lives lost and recommit to action

We remember those lives lost and recommit to action

Posted by | May 5, 2017 | , , , |

When Mauryeen Kenny aged 69 was stabbed to death last month at home in Stafford Heights, Brisbane the number of women killed by their husbands or partners in Australia rose to 17 so far this year.  At this rate, we are trending towards the alarming national total of 73 in 2016*.  On Wednesday night, night under the glow of candle light, hundreds of people gathered in Brisbane, and at vigils all around Australia, to remember the life of Mauryeen and many women like her who have been killed by those who were meant to love and care for them—their...

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