PODCAST

Episode 25: Only a Royal Commission can fix this mess…

This week, Dr Julie Macken brings us the final episode of the year. It is time to shine a light into the darkness of Australia’s immigration detention regime. Between 2001 and present day, tens of thousands of people seeking Australia’s protection have been held in immigration camps that are now privatised, offshore, and beyond the reach of Australia’s courts and most media. There have been at least 37 cases of suicide related to immigration detention, allegations of torture, the systemic abuse of men and women, and numerous articles and papers on the devastating impact of this privatised detention model. It is estimated this regime has cost Australian tax payers over $9.65 billion from July 2013 to the 2021-2022 financial year. We therefore ask the House to accept the call for a Royal Commission into Australia’s Immigration Detention, to shine a light in this darkened chapter of our national story. Only a Royal Commission into Australia’s Immigration Detention can fix this mess.

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION HERE:

https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN5644

OR HERE:

https://www.change.org/p/malcolm-turnbull-please-allow-fariborz-s-family-to-bring-his-body-to-australia/u/32109759?cs_tk=Aq2sO_MJTBw5F1JiZGUAAXicyyvNyQEABF8BvMp2fkWhZ6xTi9hiT60e1nU%3D&utm_campaign=86ef4ba1582c4db8a9662049712650c6&utm_content=initial_v0_6_0&utm_medium=email&utm_source=petition_update&utm_term=cs

https://www.immigrationdetention.com.au/

Episode 24: Public Spaces and Places

In light of recent headlines and controversial choices, Dr Julie Macken is back this week to discuss public spaces and places and who gets to decide what gets screened as well as using public spaces as a form of community communication. Julie also reflects on the 2018 Everest Cup controversy and backlash whereby the Sydney Opera House was used as a gambling pitch. Our host goes on to speak about how flags and nation colours are powerful symbols and we should not be using them carelessly; leading her to propose the question “Is it ever appropriate to screen another nation’s flag and colours on our landmarks?”

Episode 23: Dealing with conflict…in a non-violent way

Dr Julie Macken is back to speak about social justice; specifically, dealing with and resolving conflict in a non-violent fashion. Today, Julie reflects on boycotts and sanctions in relation to other countries. Though, it is not always legal to use the non-violent option, we need to find non-violent and legitimate ways of conflict resolution.

Episode 22: What NO means for Australia

This week, Dr Julie Macken offers one final encouragement to vote YES by discussing what voting no means for the Australian population – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. For a better Australia and to take a step closer to reconciliation, vote YES on Saturday, October 14th.

Episode 21: The Petticoat Rule and the Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Due to popular demand, Dr Julie Macken is back to discuss yet again the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. However, Julie now offers us a different perspective by discussing the historical ‘No Campaign’ that argued against Women’s Right to Vote in Australia. Specifically, the Petticoat Rule. Nothing bad happened, in fact, it resulted in a much better Australia – sound familiar?
https://justiceandpeace.org.au/the-voice-to-parliament/https://www.yes23.com.au/pledge

Episode 20: The Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Today, Julie Macken discusses the topic that is “dividing” Australians and that is, the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, As a White Australian, Julie discusses what saying YES to the Voice means to her. In this, we are able to reflect on why we should vote YES and the ‘what ifs’ associated.
https://justiceandpeace.org.au/the-voice-to-parliament/https://www.yes23.com.au/pledge

Episode 19: Royal Commission into Immigration Detention: A Perfect Solution

Our host Julie Macken is back to discuss with us again campaigning for a Royal Commission into Immigration Detention. Specifically, making direct mention of Minister Andrew Giles announcing yet another Parliamentary Inquiry into Immigration Detention. Julie then discusses how a Parliamentary Inquiry does not necessarily have the powers of a Royal Commission. A Royal Commission has the power to compel corporations to produce financial documents, a Parliamentary Inquiry does not. A Royal Commission has the power to compel corporations to produce financial documents, a Parliamentary Inquiry does not. A Royal Commission has the power to protect, a Parliamentary Inquiry does not. A Royal Commission has the power to influence corporation, a Parliamentary Inquiry does not. A Royal Commission into Immigration Detention is the perfect solution.
For more details, please visit our website:

https://www.royal-commission-immigration-detention.com/

Episode 18: Curious Grace: Piloting a Drop-In Centre

Our host Julie Macken welcomes Dr Robbie Lloyd back for a Q&A follow-up regarding the Curious Grace Model. Specifically, Robbie discusses the main reasoning and need for a Curious Grace drop-in centre and how to get parishes and their communities more hands on and involved in supporting vulnerable people. Community and familiar support are central to wellness and prosperity. Robbie reminds us to remember our friends and family locally but to be with them actively rather. Robbie and Julie then discuss what a day in the life of a drop-in centre may look like and how to get involved. Curious Grace’s first drop-in centre will be piloting at St Canice’s, Darlinghurst in the new year.
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https://justiceandpeace.org.au/curious-grace-toolkit/
Contact Dr Robbie Lloyd if you are interested in setting up a drop-in centre within your local community – robbie.lloyd@sydneycatholic.org or 0429 128 639

Episode 17: Peace: Tranquillity or Security?

Our host, Julie Macken, is back and is joined by JPO’s Dr Michael Walker to discuss Peace in terms of security or tranquility. As Michael discusses further, peace as a notion of tranquilly suggests people are free to live their lives independently and optimistically. Contrastingly, peace in a sense of security is inherently regressive in that to be nationally secure, other people have to suffer. Michael explained how in labelling peace as a notion of security, we are reframing not just peace but how we see each other. The two made direct mention to the Tampas Affair occurring in 2001 whereby Australian Prime Minister, John Howard at the time, allowed for Australia’s Special Air Service to board a civilian ocean tanker to prevent 400 asylum seekers from reaching the Australian shore. Security is not impersonal but the actions Australia has taken and is willing to take suggests it to be personal.

SPECIAL EDITION: Calling for a Peaceful Pacific

This week, we present to you the audio from our most recent event – ‘Calling for a Peaceful Pacific’ co-hosted by the Justice and Peace Office and the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN). Focusing on renewing our solidarity for a Nuclear-Free Independent Peaceful Pacific and Australia’s need to have a position of armed neutrality, the discussion panel featured two keynote speakers Indigenous to islands/territories that are heavily occupied and have been damaged by US military bases -Shinako Oyakawa from Ryukyu (Okinawa) and Monaeka ‘Naek’ Flores from Guahan (Guam). Accompanied by IPAN’s Nick Deane and JPO’s Julie Macken, the panel delved into the ongoing military occupation in the pacific and its effect on current and future populations. Specifically, Shinako discusses the history of militarisation within Okinawa, its impact on the Indigenous Peoples of Okinawa and how this military base alone has the highest instance of sex crime in the world. Naek goes further into the violent and destructive war crimes committed, the exacerbating climate crisis, the violence inflicted on Guam’s Indigenous Peoples and their land, and the contamination from nuclear testing fallout and associated illnesses. “This is not something in the future, this is something happening now.”

Episode 15: RESPECT: Confronting Violence & Abuse

Our host Julie Macken is back to discuss the endemic that is Family & Domestic Violence with direct mention to JPO’s Tri-Diocesan Event surrounding the topic. Julie reviews the 2022-2023 Social Justice Statement – Respect: Confronting Violence & Abuse with particular attention drawn to Rose Batty, 2015 Australian of the Year, and her personal experiences and report on Family & Domestic Violence. Specifically, how it is a gendered issue with gender inequalities within our society as the driving force behind perpetrators and the aggressive patriarchal function and belief that Men are in fact better than Women. Furthermore, Julie brings light to the current treatment of Brittany Higgins and the obscene objectification on behalf of Australian politics, the coalition and Murdoch Media; solidifying the deep-rooted and ever so apparent shame associated with speaking up and reaching out.
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The Justice & Peace Office invites you to reflect upon and discuss the 2022-2023 Social Justice Statement – Respect: Confronting Violence & Abuse on the evening of July 26th alongside an esteemed panel of guest speakers, abuse survivors and advocates.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/tri-diocesan-social-justice-evening-2023-tickets-653360527927

Episode 14: Leaving Naru and entering the International Criminal Court

Our host Julie Macken is back to discuss two major topics that are currently circulating global media; the last asylum seeker to leave Naru and Australia facing the International Criminal Court for its war crimes. Firstly, our attention is drawn to Naru, home of some of Australia’s most horrific acts of humiliation, degradation and neglect. Despite the need for a Royal Commission into Australia’s detention practices and policies now moreso apparent, the world may never know the untold trauma and truth behind those doors. Julie directs us closer to the promise of permanent protection of thousands of asylum seekers, yet, for all of those who were abused on the island and are now forced to live with the trauma, the hope for justice dwindled and may never be achieved. In similar reports, Julie recounts how Australia has been referred to the International Criminal Court regarding the barbarous and inhumane war crimes committed by SAS Soldiers, how only one former soldier has been held accountable and how the country has devolved into a nation that does nothing to stop these crimes. At some point, Australia has to face reality and accept its long history of shockingly mistreating other humans needs to be addressed and answered for.

Episode 13: Reviewing the Draft National Care & Economy Support Strategy

Our host Julie Macken is joined yet again by JPO’s Dr Robbie Lloyd to explore the recent draft of the National Care & Economy Support Strategy surrounding areas of Mental Health, Ageing, Disability, and Childcare. Julie and Robbie discuss how care has previously been monetised whereby NGOs have been corporatised and how individuals have been understood only as investment opportunities. Our hosts further make mention to the recent submission campaigning for ‘same job, same pay’ and how this may impact Australians in a negative way; highlighting the perspective that the country needs its citizens to be under industrial awards with a guaranteed level of pay that values their work and efforts.

Episode 12: 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.

Episode 11: 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.

Episode 10: 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.

Episode 9: Armed Neutrality: It’s a thing

Our 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.

Episode 7: The Upcoming Federal Budget

In episode 7, 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.

Episode 6: Engaging with the Curious Grace Model

In episode 6, 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/

Episode 5: The Inquiry into Australia’s Human Rights Framework

In episode 5, 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.

Episode 4: The Struggle for Young People: Gen F’d?

In episode 4, 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.

Episode 3: The IPCC Report 2023: “There is no time left…”

In episode 3, 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.

Episode 2: War, AUKUS, & the Media: What is it good for?

In episode 2, our host Julie Macken discusses the pro-war rhetoric cropping up in Australian media narratives and across the pervasive Speech Act of our politicians. She particularly highlights the pitfalls of war propagation encouraged in The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) and in the recent multibillion dollar AUKUS deal.

Episode 1: Discussing the Uluru Statement from the Heart

To launch season two of our podcast, our host Julie Macken discusses the importance of accepting the invitation to walk with Indigenous Australians via the Uluru Statement from the Heart. She reaffirms its significance in inclusive nation-building and challenges the alleged ambiguity surrounding what the statement can practically achieve.

Episode 10: Addressing Australia’s Gig Economy

In our final episode of season one, our host Julie Macken welcomes Social Justice Facilitator at the Justice and Peace Office, Dr Michael Walker, to discuss the ethical dilemmas surrounding Australia’s welcoming of a gig economy. They seek to analyse the impacts of neo-liberalism and the precarious state of employment inflicted on the ‘working poor’ in Australia. They propose ethical alternatives and ways to opt out of seemingly inescapable way of living.

Episode 9: The 2021 State of the Environment Report rings alarm bells

In Episode 9, our host Julie Macken welcomes JPO Intern, Emilia Nicholas, to respond to Tanya Plibersek’s launch of the latest State of the Environment Report. They seek to analyse the devastating findings in this report whilst highlighting the severity of this ecological issue, finally urging the community to take immediate climate action.

Episode 8: Reflecting on Australia’s Fifth Plenary Council

In Episode 8, Dr Robbie Lloyd welcomes James Camden, Head of Mission Engagement at the Diocese of Parramatta to reflect on the fifth Plenary Council of Australia. They seek to explore how the power of the Spirit flowed throughout the event and discuss where the community should move next post-listening.

Episode 7: Post-Election Results 2022 – What this means for the community?

In Episode 7, the JPO team engage in post-election analysis through the lens of social justice advocacy to acknowledge the success and stirring power of the community. The team addresses how the community can once again strategically leverage the government – and realign as a collective pressure group – to materialise their declared election promises and deliver their hope for a better Australian future.

Episode 6: Approaching the Ballot Box – Federal Election 2022

In Episode 6, our special guest host Dr Robbie Lloyd welcomes back Fr Peter Smith, and Joelle Sassine to discuss the need for Australian civic society – whom now begin to approach the ballot box – to practically champion Catholic Social Teaching (CST). They seek to examine the importance of policy education in the lead up to decision day and the need to return to amplified social justice activism in order to denounce injustice.

Episode 5: Voting for the Common Good – Election Kit 2022

Our host Julie Macken welcomes Josephite Justice Network Coordinator and activist Sr Jan Barnett to discuss the Voting for the Common Good (VFTCG) 2022 Campaign. They seek to explore the intersection between Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and the pursuit for social justice within the Australian policy agenda via Catholic solidarity. They will also unpack the Election Kit resources produced by the VFTCG team and its purpose in preparation for the Federal Election 2022.

Episode 4: Justice for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees

Our host Julie Macken welcomes Nishadh Rego from Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) to discuss the Australian Government’s policy position on refugee and asylum seekers in light of the 2022-23 budget report. They seek to analyse the highs and lows of the Federal Budget fund allocations in regards to protecting the rights of people seeking asylum, refugees and displaced people.

Episode 3: Lent and Social Justice

Our special guest host Dr Robbie Lloyd welcomes Ruth Moraes to discuss how lent breeds a fertile ground for social justice engagement. Under the framework of Catholic Social teaching (CST), they seek to explore the practical ways in which we can express our passion for justice during this Lenten season.

Episode 2: Reconciliation in Action

Our host Julie Macken welcomes Dr Robbie Lloyd to discuss the unfolding process for the Sydney Archdiocese to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). They seek to voice their commitment to this strategic document and highlight the importance for the shared Truth Telling and deep listening to First Nations Peoples about past and current injustices.

Episode 1: Discussing Just War Theory

In our first episode, our host Julie Macken interviews Justice & Peace Promoter Fr Peter Smith to discuss and reposition our understanding of a ‘just war’ through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). They seek to analyse this political and philosophical theory through the contemporary case study of the Russia-Ukraine War.