Speaking of Social Justice

Speaking of Social Justice

by Justice and Peace Office (JPO)

Politics Philosophy

Season 4

Who’s Missing in the Budget?

Julie Macken discusses the Australian budget's lack of support for asylum seekers and refugees, highlighting a 95% decrease in funding from $369 million in 2016-2017 to $20 million, while immigration detention costs have risen to nearly $1.4 billion. She criticises the Labor government for failing to uphold its promise of humane treatment, noting that asylum seekers still lack basic support like Centrelink, housing, and Medicare. Macken argues that the budget's allocation reflects societal values, implying that neglecting vulnerable groups could lead to broader societal mistreatment. She questions whether the upcoming federal election will include anti-asylum seeker rhetoric, suggesting that political parties assume public support for such policies.

Hope isn’t naive—it’s necessary

Julie Macken discusses the dual crises of floods and drought in Australia, highlighting the emotional toll of climate change. She finds hope in a conversation with Tim Buckley, who believes Australia and China are leading the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Macken argues that despair is a political tool used to exploit fear and division, urging Australians to reject this strategy and embrace community action. She emphasizes that hope is justified, citing existing community efforts in housing, social support, and environmental initiatives as evidence of progress and resilience.

Bullies, Billions & Betrayal: Australia’s Global Gamble

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social justice, Dr Julie Macken discusses the aftermath of a tense Oval Office meeting involving Trump, Vance, and Zelensky, describing it as a bullying incident that has left many feeling traumatised. Julie criticises America's withdrawal from the international order it established, highlighting its impact on global free trade and alliances. Macken mentions Australia's $400 billion investment in nuclear submarines from an unreliable ally, questioning the wisdom of such a commitment. She highlights the need for Australia to re-evaluate its values and international stance as the country prepares for a federal election, urging a focus on courage and endurance rather than bullying.

Facts Over Feelings

Dr Julie Macken discusses the importance of facts over feelings in the context of social justice and the upcoming federal election. She expresses concern over recent dismissals of African American anchors in the U.S. media and the threat of mass layoffs of public servants if a coalition wins the election. Julie emphasises the need to evaluate politicians based on their actions and proposals rather than personal feelings or appearances. She later argues that feelings have led to negative consequences in America and urge voters to focus on facts to make informed decisions during the election campaign here in Australia.

What even is democracy and civics?

Dr Julie Macken is back this week to discuss lack of civics education in Australian schools, defining a good citizen as someone who actively contributes to their community. She highlights the dangers of a dismantled democracy, citing the U.S. example of Trump and Musk undermining democratic institutions. Julie warns of the negative impacts on vulnerable populations and the global economy. She emphasises the importance of vigilance in the upcoming Australian federal elections, urging citizens to be informed, critical, and proactive in protecting democracy against political donations and misinformation, particularly from carbon emitters and the fossil fuel lobby.

Speak Up

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken discusses the current state of global social justice, particularly the erosion of international human rights protections. She criticises U.S. President Donald Trump for undermining decades of post-WWII international agreements and calls out the mainstream media for failing to challenge his actions. Julie goes on to argue that silence and inaction from global leaders, including Australia's Prime Minister, professional leaders, and religious figures, enable the normalisation of genocide. Macken urges Australians, especially those in positions of power, to speak up against such injustices to prevent history from repeating itself.

Retaining Hope

To launch Season 4 of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken kicks off by delving into the Trump inauguration and America's corridors of power, retaining hope and compassion during climate change and political hostility, and holding onto Social Justice during these times.

Season 3

We NEED a Royal Commission into Immigration Detention...Now!

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken provides another example of why we need a Royal Commission into Immigration Detention and why we need it now! Specifically, Julie divulges how Meriton hotels are used as 'quasi-prisons'.

Recreating Australia’s Democracy

In this week's Speaking of Social Justice episode, Dr Julie Macken discusses the NSW premier and Prime Minister's response to the Palestine and Israel rallies in Sydney over the weekend. She later goes into how this affects Australia's democracy and our barriers in recreating it.

Australia is Exceptional

In this episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken highlights Australia's exceptionalism. She discusses how we are so exceptional because we are the only Western democracy without a National Security Plan as well as how we are the only Western democracy without a Bill of Human Rights or any form of human rights protection act.

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