Is youth crime getting out of hand?

Each night, especially on weekends, commercial news carries images of young people and crime. But how bad is youth crime? And if so, what type of offences are being committed? What factors are causing this increase in youth crime? Is it really getting out of hand?

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Overall the Australian Government’s 2024 Budget is one that lacks vision and a clear path forward in the three policy areas which the Edmund Rice Centre focuses on: First Nations, Refugees and People Seeking Asylum, and Pacific climate justice.  More broadly, the Budget fails to address fundamental, long-term challenges facing everyday Australians, including the housing crisis and the underfunding of key services such as our public education system.

First Nations

The redirection of $20 million from support for a Voice to Parliament to other policy priorities is excused as being in line with the result of the recent Referendum. However, this decision is not in line with the bi-partisan commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its priorities, nor is it in line with Australia's international commitments as a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. 

Pentecost Sunday

‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful

and kindle in us the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit

and we shall be created,

and you shall renew the face of the earth.'

Please note that two gospel readings are proposed for today. These reflections will refer to both.

Today, in our celebration of Pentecost, despite death and destruction, famine and genocide, we dare to say that God can blow new energy into people and places. It is a moment in history that continually unravels itself within our lives.