Social Justice Statements
The St Vincent de Paul Society is concerned not only with alleviating need but also with identifying the unjust structures that cause it. We are compelled to advocate for a more just and compassionate society, and to speak out on the barriers that keep people trapped in a cycle of poverty and disadvantage.
The Statements are the Society's policy positions on priority issues.
For more information about Vinnies social justice advocacy or to get involved in our Social Justice Network, visit socialjustice.vinnies.org.au
The Statements cover:
Cost of Living • Climate Equity • Housing and Homelessness • Refugees and People Seeking Asylum • Mental Health and Wellbeing • Indigenous Rights
Cost of Living Social Justice Statement
Everyone in our community should be able to access the essentials they need to live with dignity. Even when things go wrong, families should feel secure in the knowledge that they can afford a roof over their heads and food on the table, to pay the bills and maintain their health.
Our Cost of Living Social Justice Statement outlines steps Government should take to end the poverty trap and make sure everyone can lead a full and dignified life.
Climate Equity Social Justice Statement
Our natural world, and the beauty of our common home, should be protected for our children, grandchildren and future generations. If we act now, we can avoid the worst injustices of climate change and other ecological crises. This Climate Equity Social Justice Statement includes recommendations for Government to ensure we emerge from this crisis into a more equitable state, with stronger, more resilient communities.
Housing and Homelessness Social Justice Statement
Everyone has the right to home. A home is not just the roof over your head. It is where we raise our families, socialise with our friends, and become part of our local community. Our Housing and Homelessness Social Justice Statement outlines steps Government should take to ensure all people have access to housing that affords them physical safety, protection from the elements, and security of tenure, at a cost that does not compromise access to other essentials like food and energy.
Refugees and People Seeking Asylum Social Justice Statement
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is proud of the role we have played helping to make our communities places where people seeking protection have been able to rebuild their lives, care for their children, prosper and thrive. Our Refugees and People seeking Asylum Social Justice Statement offers practical recommendations to Government to better support people seeking protection, and to ensure we uphold their human rights.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Social Justice Statement
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW works closely with those experiencing mental health difficulties and has seen first-hand how homelessness, unemployment, and social isolation can significantly impact mental health and well-being. Our Mental Health and Well-being Social Justice Statement acknowledges the challenges people face when experiencing mental ill-health and offers recommendations to Government to assist people living with mental health conditions to access the support they need to live well in our communities.
Struggle for Indigenous Recognition
The Society of St Vincent de Paul supports the call of the Uluru Statement from the Heart for the Constitutional recognition of First Nations people and an enshrined and protected National Voice to Parliament.