Asylum Matters - Where are we at? International, National and Personal Perspectives
Posted 19 06 2025
Updated on 20 06 2025
Dear Friends, our next Zoom seminar will be on Wednesday 9 July, 4pm-5.30pm.
Our speakers will be:
Frances Rush OAM, CEO of The Asylum Seeker Centre
and
Dr Graham Thom, Advocacy Advisor, Refugee Council of Australia
They will be joined by an asylum seeker who will give their story of their experience.
Given the awful turmoil in the world, this is a very urgent and important matter. We hope that you will be able to join us for this event.
Please open the flyer for all details.
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8458286068
Endorse Refugee Council of Australia’s Vision for Australia's 48th Parliament
Posted 15 05 2025
Updated on 16 05 2025
Australia's 48th Parliament has the power to change lives.
For decades, Australia’s resettlement program has been supported by successive governments, enabling millions of modern Australians to contribute because they, their parents or their grandparents were able to shape new lives free from war and persecution.
Yet in the last 25 years, we have witnessed thousands of refugees and people seeking asylum end up in limbo, denied basic rights and unable to plan for their future. Many of these individuals, including children who have only ever called Australia home, have no permanent status and no clear path forward. Many refugees also face insurmountable barriers to reuniting with their loved ones.
Today, global humanitarian crises are forcibly displacing an unprecedented number of people. Constructive and compassionate responses are needed more than ever. It is in this context that we, the Refugee Council of Australia, present our vision for the refugee response of Australia’s 48th Parliament.
Please click here to endorse the vision from the Refugee Council of Australia
Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) JUST NOW - Federal Eelection Focus
Posted 17 04 2025
Updated on 17 04 2025
CRA has released a resource unpacking four critical issues that bear upon Australia’s Federal Election. “Artisans of Democracy” consists of a ten-page discussion in CRA’s Just Now (Vol. 18, April 2025) with links to four Position Papers: Climate Change & Environment, First Australians, Cost of Living, and Refugees.
Click here to download the CRA Federal Election 2025 Just Now
Click here to download the CRA Position Statement on Climate and the Environment.
Click here to download the CRA Position Statement on First Australians.
Click here to download the CRA Position Statement on the Cost of Living Crisis.
Click here to download the CRA Position Statement on Refugees and People Seeking Asylum.
Generation Laudato Si' Webinar
Posted 27 03 2025
Updated on 28 03 2025
10 Years of Laudato Si’: from Hope to Action It’s been 10 years since Pope Francis released his encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. During these 10 years, Laudato Si’ has become more than the title of Pope Francis’ encyclical. It has become a movement, a verb (people are seen to be ‘doing’ or ‘not doing’ Laudato Si’), and it is an adjective (That isn’t very Laudato Si’!). To celebrate, Garratt Publishing will be hosting a series of Ecology Webinars. The first webinar, Generation Laudato Si’, will focus on how young people within the Church have been ‘doing Laudato Si’’ for 10 years and what their plans and dreams are for the future. GENERATION LAUDATO SI’ WEBINAR Wednesday 2 April 2025 The Generation Laudato Si’ Webinar will explore the writings in the book Generation Laudato Si‘: Catholic Youth on Living out an Ecological Spirituality which provides a range of examples of young people living out Catholic Social Teaching, particularly Laudato Si’, and caring for our common home. Generation Laudato Si‘ is written entirely by youth (aged 17 to 35) from 20 countries. It comprises the thoughts, wisdom, dreams and aspirations of a generation that want to change how we run the economy, foster community, lead and govern, facilitate education, use and apply technology, and live among the rest ...more
Update on the effects of Climate Change
Posted 18 03 2025
Updated on 19 03 2025
On 6th March we were delighted to have, via zoom, Professor Lesley Hughes, Distinguished Professor of Biology and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Integrity and Development) at Macquarie University. She is also a Director and Councillor of The Climate Council of Australia.
Lesley spoke to us about the effects of Climate Change, with particular emphasis on extinction of species, both vegetation and the animal world, which of cour4se, includes humans.
See and hear the full talk from Lesley here.
We encourage you to look at the links suggested by Lesley in her talk. ALSO, here are some websites suggested by Lesley in regard to recycling and checking on banks and superannuation funds about their sustainable investments:
Unpopular opinion: there's nuance in the No Vote
Posted 14 03 2025
Updated on 14 03 2025
By Prof Megan Davis & Pat Anderson AO So why did 61% of Australians Vote No? We won't oversimplify. There's been a serious lack of analysis since October 14, 2023. The media loves to latch on to a single narrative and identify 'the one thing' that moved voters to the No camp. But all of the data we have access to indicates that there was no one reason. The reasons people voted No were many and varied. In the absence of any meaningful post mortem from the government or the media, we've done our own analysis of the polling and publications, and commissioned some of our own research via YouGov and Essential. Was racism at play? Undeniably there was an element of it, but racism alone does not explain October 14. Our data suggests that somewhere between 7-12% of the No Vote can be attributed to racist attitudes. Was it a lack of bipartisanship? Peter Dutton didn't help. Neither did David Littleproud when he came out against the Voice before he even knew what the proposal was. Recently published data showed a drop in support once the Liberals publicly opposed the Voice, but we can't be sure that bipartisanship would be changed the outcome. There has ...more
Climate Council Responds to the Coalition's Nuclear Plan
Posted 26 02 2025
Updated on 26 02 2025
Truth: The independent Climate Change Authority found that Peter Dutton’s nuclear policy would unleash a carbon bomb - adding 2 billion tonnes of additional climate pollution, and blowing out Australia’s legislated pollution reduction targets.
Silenced: The next day, the Coalition suggested they would sack the independent body’s Chair, former Liberal NSW Treasurer, Matt Kean, if elected.
Sound familiar?
They haven’t changed. 11 years ago the first act of the Abbott Government was to axe the independent Climate Commission.
Well, neither have we. Every time politicians shoot the messenger, threatening and sacking independent climate advice, we fight back.
Let’s send a clear message - we won't be silenced.
There will always be Trumps and Duttons in this world who would sooner fire climate scientists and truth-tellers than face the facts. But there will always be us, fighting back together no matter what.
Thank you for your support as we fight for a safer future for our kids.
Amanda McKenzie
CEO
Climate Council
To Be Or Not To Be: Climate Change & the Loss of Species
Posted 14 02 2025
Updated on 14 02 2025
Professor Lesley Hughes is a Distinguished Professor of Biology and former Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Integrity & Development) and Interim Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University. Her research has mainly focused on the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems.
She is a former federal Climate Commissioner and former Lead Author in the IPCC’s 4th and 5th Assessment Report. She is a founding Councillor with the Climate Council of Australia, a former Director for WWF Australia, and a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists. She has recently been appointed as a member of the Climate Change Authority.
TO BE OR NOT TO BE: Climate Change & the Loss of Species
When: Thursday 6 March
Time: 4pm - 6pm
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8458286068
Save the Date! Asia Pacific-Transition Mineral Accountability Working Group Webinar - Forging Pathways: Achieving Mineral Justice in the Asia Pacific Energy Transition
Posted 27 11 2024
Updated on 28 11 2024
"In the world we dream of, all are welcome, all belong." Date: Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 Time: 1:00-3:00 PM Philippine Standard Time (GMT +8) Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtc-ChrT8jG9wC69I5iKm2IXd6gcBMVRn2 This Human Rights Day, Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, join the Publish What You Pay Asia Pacific-Transition Mineral Accountability Working Group (AP-TMA WG) in powerful conversations shaping the future of transition mineral governance and its pivotal role in driving justice and equity across the green technology supply chain. As the world intensifies its commitment to clean energy, the rapid demand for minerals for the production of green technology has unearthed new layers of environmental human rights abuses, and governance challenges. The Asia-Pacific is at the heart of this global issue. • The Asia-Pacific produces more than half of the world’s nickel and holds a quarter of global mineral resources, often located in corruption-prone areas. • Six of the ten countries most affected by climate-induced natural disasters are in the Asia-Pacific. Nearly 70% of energy transition minerals are found within Indigenous lands. • Since 2010, there have been over 600 documented cases of human rights abuses related to transition mineral extraction. We ask - How can transition mineral governance be a catalyst for ensuring human rights, justice, equity and shared prosperity are upheld for ...more
Petitions for Rare Earths and Betaloo Basin
Posted 24 10 2024
Updated on 25 10 2024
TO ALL MEMBERS & FRIENDS!
Please note the following two letters & take action NOW.
- The first is from AFTINET re mining of rare earths.
- The second from GETUP re APA & piping of gas through Betaloo Basin.
Video: How will Climate Change affect your family's health?
Posted 31 08 2024
Updated on 03 09 2024
Presentation from Dr Kim Loo on the effects of Climate Change on Health
NAIDOC Week 2024
Posted 07 07 2024
Updated on 10 07 2024
The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the opening of $1.7 million in grants to support local communities and organisations to celebrate 2024 NAIDOC Week and the rich and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Held across the country from 7-14 July 2024, NAIDOC Week will celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud. View the Poster here. The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These grants and the application process are managed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency with two tiers available in 2024: small scale grants for up to $10,000 and large scale grants for between $10,001 and $50,000. NAIDOC Week, which first began in 1975, provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. For more information and to apply for a NAIDOC Local Grant, visit ...more
Climate Change: How will it affect your family's health?
Posted 14 06 2024
Updated on 14 06 2024
Our next seminar will be via Zoom on Thursday 1st August from 4pm – 6pm.
The topic will be "CLIMATE CHANGE: HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH?"
Our speaker will be DR KIM LOO, NSW Chair of Doctors for the Environment. Dr Kim is also a GP working in the Western Suburbs of Sydney, where climate change is particularly badly felt.
Do join us if you can, and tell family and friends also.
Code Blue Our Ocean in Crisis - Watch the Seminar
Posted 06 05 2024
Updated on 07 05 2024
Please view a recording of our latest seminar:
CCJP ZOOM SEMINAR, OUR FIRST FOR 2024 IN OUR CLIMATE ISSUES
Posted 20 02 2024
Updated on 20 03 2024
In Australia, our love of the ocean is truly profound - we surf it, camp by it, marvel at its incredible beauty from its many pristine sandy shores and we are proud of the unique and wondrous sea life that inhabits it. But all this is at grave risk.
Sr Wendy Flannery will talk in depth about the crisis our oceans are facing.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8458286068
Passcode: 42658
Access to ethical advice is crucial
Posted 20 02 2024
Updated on 20 03 2024
Whether we are conscious of it or not, ethical decisions are being made on behalf of Australians every day by policymakers, regulators and even emerging technologies.
At a time when trust in our institutions is in decline, it's more important than ever that we demand investment in our ethical future.
This week, Executive Director of The Ethics Centre, Dr Simon Longstaff AO, Major General Paul Symon AO, and host of the Technology and Security podcast Dr Miah Hammond Errey say that access to ethical advice is vital if we want a future paved with better decisions.
11,500 children have been killed in Gaza. Horror of this scale has no explanation
Posted 15 02 2024
Updated on 15 02 2024
This article fills me with horror about what the Israel bombing is doing to the people of Gaza especially children. I have sent messages to the Prime Minister and Senator Penny Wong to protest our complicity in joining other nations
to stop funding aid to the UN to help the people in Gaza.
Matthew Knott's article in the SMH this morning shows the PM is hearing our protests about the killing of Palestinians in Gaza.
More pressure by simple emails to him is needed. Maybe also ask him to stop sending weapons to Israel.
A Statement From Indigenous Australians Who Supported The Voice Referendum
Posted 16 10 2023
Updated on 16 10 2023
A Week of Silence for the Voice Recognition in the constitution of the descendants of the original and continuing owners of Australia would have been a great advance for Australians. Alas, the majority have rejected it. This is a bitter irony. That people who have only been on this continent for 235 years would refuse to recognise those whose home this land has been for 60,000 and more years is beyond reason. It was never in the gift of these newcomers to refuse recognition to the true owners of Australia. The referendum was a chance for newcomers to show a long-refused grace and gratitude and to acknowledge that the brutal dispossession of our people underwrote their every advantage in this country. For more than six years, we have explained to our nation why the Voice was our great hope to achieve real change for our families and communities. To the Australians who supported us in this vote – we thank you sincerely. You comprise many millions of Australians of love and goodwill. We know you wanted a better future for Australia, and to put the colonial past behind us by choosing belated recognition and justice. We thank the Prime Minister and his government for having ...more
Professor Martin Green honoured for Environmental Work
Posted 20 09 2023
Updated on 20 09 2023
Members may remember Professor Martin Green, who was our guest speaker at our Sunday Seminar on 18th August 2019. Professor Green spoke about developments in photovoltaics (solar energy) in which he has played an enormous role both here and overseas. The Sydney Morning Herald of 19th August 23, in the Good Weekend, has a most wonderful article about Green, who has been honoured by Finland and in Mumbai for his work, and who next month will go to London, where King Charles will award him with the Queen Elizabeth Prize for engineering for his work on solar energy. He has not had the recognition he deserves in Australia. You may wish to look up the Good Weekend article and read for yourselves about this remarkable man.
Paul Kelly - If Not Now
Posted 19 09 2023
Updated on 20 09 2023
Singer and song writer Paul Kelly has released a song in support of the YES Campaign for the Indigenious Voice to Parliament.
Listen to it here: