Speaking of Social Justice

Speaking of Social Justice

by Justice and Peace Office (JPO)

Politics Philosophy

Season 2

The Split Between Fantasy and Reality in Australia

Our host Julie Macken talks us through the widening split between the world's perception of Australia and the country's own fantasies of reality. Specifically regarding Australia breaching the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), the Brereton Report and Australia's war crimes causing a divide with the United States, the EU-Australia Agreement regarding Climate Change, and how this split is causing Australia to fall between the cracks.

The Struggles & Challenges of the NGO World

Our host Julie Macken passes the mic to JPO's very own Dr Michael Walker to discuss non-government organisations' (NGOs) current struggles regarding the aftermath of COVID-19, the cost of living, diminishing wages, and their harmful effects on civil society and the current volunteer shortage. Dr Walker draws further attention to the burden of compliance and over-reporting that redirects NGO attention away from the true injustices and community issues at hand; prompting Michael's example of a 'tax-return' structure.

The Article 17 List & Australia

Our host Julie Macken guides us through a recent major event - Australia failing to meet its human rights obligations and becoming the first OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) member nation on the United Nation's non-compliance list; Article 17. Julie discusses how Australia failed to abide by and implement OPCAT (Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment) regarding access to our places of detention; such as, immigration detention centres and aged care centres, and how this negligence may impact the future of Australians.

Armed Neutrality: It's a thing

Out host Julie Macken is back to discuss the idea of armed neutrality in the context of Australia and its defence. Julie explores what this may mean for peace, sovereignty, and how Australia is one of the only countries that has the capacity to be neutral.

SPECIAL EDITION: No More Just War

This week, we bring to you the audio from JPO's 'No More Just War' event with guest speakers including JPO's very own Fr Peter Smith, Senator Deborah O'Neill, Sr Susan Connelly and Fr Claude Mostowik. Our esteemed guest panel discusses Just War Theory on whether war can be morally permissible, the destructive power of modern weaponry in the arms industry, and our right to safety and security. Disclaimer: Audio from this week's episode has been taken from a live streamed event and as a result, audio quality in some areas may vary. We appreciate your understanding.

The Upcoming Federal Budget

Our host Julie Macken discusses the impacts of the upcoming Federal Budget and what it means for Australians; particularly, its under 40s. Julie brings our attention further to how a Federal Budget may determine what the government values as a fair distribution of funding regarding the cost of living, unemployment, and homelessness.

Engaging with the Curious Grace Model

Our host Julie Macken welcomes the JPO's very own Dr Robbie Lloyd and Cailey Sharp to discuss the Curious Grace drop-in centre model which offers a unique chance for community connection and the honouring of lived experience. Cailey also offers her complementary program Buddy Up! – under the Curious Grace banner – to combat feelings of disconnect and foster intergenerational remedy. We invite you to visit the 'Curious Grace Toolkit' page for more information https://justiceandpeace.org.au/curious-grace-toolkit/

The Inquiry into Australia's Human Rights Framework

Our host Julie Macken discusses the limited human rights protections we currently have in Australia, reminding us of the harsh realities that come to fruition in the absence of a federal Human Rights Act. She also signals a strong call to action, urging our listeners to exercise their civic powers by visiting this link https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Human_Rights/HumanRightsFramework and submit a submission of their own to the parliamentary committee.

The Struggle for Young People: Gen F'd?

Our host Julie Macken welcomes the JPO's very own Dr Michael Walker to discuss economist Alison Pennington's book Gen F'd?: How Young Australians Can Reclaim Their Uncertain Futures and its relevance for the struggle of our overburdened youth. They seek to unpack three key themes raised by Pennington - precarity of work, housing, and neoliberalism - and the recommendations that follow.

The IPCC Report 2023: "There is no time left..."

Our host Julie Macken discusses the confronting realities revealed in the Sixth Assessment Report from the United Nations led Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and what it means for Australians. She also draws our attention to the 'dark money' of hefty political donations made by the fossil fuel industry to cement their development and profitability in Australia.

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