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With a federal election looming following years of fire, flood and a global pandemic, The Salvation Army has delved into the very heart of individual Australian communities to discover which social justice issues are of prominent concern right now and what can ultimately be done to address them.

In an Australian first, more than 15,000 people from all demographics across every state and territory contributed to The Salvation Army’s National Social Justice Stocktake Report (NSJSR) via a survey asking which concerns are weighing on individuals, their families, loved ones and local communities – and how these issues will impact their personal decisions during the federal election.

The results of the NSJSR have been collated into a national overview; state and territories synopsis; and 151 electorate and eight state individual jurisdiction reports. All the reports are housed on a purpose-built website – www.salvationarmy.org.au/socialjusticestocktake – which the reader can negotiate by clicking through to areas of interest.

“The Stocktake has several goals, but first and foremost it is designed to help people reflect on social justice and take action on the injustice and hardship they can see,” says The Salvation Army’s Secretary for Mission, Captain Stuart Glover.

“We are releasing this report to coincide with the election of the 47th parliament of Australia to help empower candidates and voters to have a conversation about social justice. The third main objective of this project is to inform how The Salvation Army focuses its social justice, social policy and advocacy work to ensure we are being led by the communities we serve and focused on the needs at hand.”

Nationally, the top six concerns as revealed in the NSJSR are:

· Mental health (53.9 per cent)

· Housing affordability (52.4 per cent)

· Alcohol and drug misuse (42.6 per cent)

· Family violence (35.4 per cent)

· Homelessness (35.1 per cent)

· Poverty and financial hardship (25.9 per cent)

Other issues which feature include:

· Unemployment and underemployment

· Climate change

· Social isolation and loneliness

· Racism and discrimination

· Older Australian discrimination and hardship

· Gambling

· Youth employment

· Gender inequality and inequity

· Disability discrimination and hardship

· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage

· Opportunities for children

· Treatment of refuges and asylum seekers

Feedback from participants of the NSJSR found that Australians care deeply about social injustice –but don’t always know what to do about it.

“There is a vocal element in the community that despairs there is not enough being done about the issues and injustices going on around them in their everyday lives,” Captain Glover adds. “They want to be more active in initiating change but feel powerless. So, instead of just providing findings, we’ve tried to help alleviate that sense of hopelessness by also outlining practical solutions. We firmly believe that every social justice issue can be both addressed and actioned.”

The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal raises funds that are used to help address social issues within local communities. To support, visit: www.salvationarmy.org.au.

The www.salvationarmy.org.au/socialjusticestocktake website contains additional information on each of the Stocktake’s issues; quotes from Salvation Army experts in social mission delivery; and the specifics of the survey research.

With reduced social distancing, borders re-opened and international travel once again on the agenda, experts are concerned that Australians are downplaying the prospect of a serious influenza (flu) season in 2022.

A new consumer survey, commissioned by Australian vaccine manufacturer Seqirus, asked 1,000 adults aged 18 years and over about their attitudes to the flu.1

The results showed less than half (45%) of Australian adults in the survey think flu is a very serious condition that can lead to death in vulnerable people. Three in 10 respondents (29%) say they are not intending to get vaccinated against the flu while another 11% are still undecided.1

Leading infectious disease expert Professor Robert Booy says that we’ve had so little flu for so long that the reawakening of flu could be quite troublesome.

“For the last two years, we’ve had next to no flu, and vaccination rates have been low as well. As a consequence, the level of community protection has dropped significantly.”

“I’m concerned about the correlation between people who do not think that flu is serious and those who do not intend to get vaccinated,” said Professor Booy.

The survey showed that Australians who do not intend to get vaccinated for flu in 2022 are more likely than those intending to get vaccinated to say that flu is not a serious condition (29% compared to 11%).1

The data also showed a significant generational gap, with Baby Boomers more likely than younger generations to say they plan on getting the flu vaccine in 2022 (73% compared to 57% Gen X, 55% Millennials and 43% Gen Z). However, younger generations are more likely to say they would like to understand their flu vaccination options (39% Gen X, 42% Millennials and 43% Gen Z compared to 32% Baby Boomers). 1

Professor Booy also said there was the possibility that recent calls for Australians to “treat COVID just like flu” has had the unintended consequence of portraying flu as a milder disease.

“People need reminding that we’ve had some bad flu seasons in the past. Modelling data from 2010-2019, estimates that Australia averaged nearly 2,800 annual flu deaths, with more than 6,400 estimated deaths in 2017 and over 5,200 in 2019. There is no way of predicting what 2022 will be like so we need to do everything we can now to prepare.” 2

Two modest seasons of flu in Australia, limited personal contact and reduced international travel has clearly had an impact on attitudes, with only one in three (36%) Australians in the survey concerned about the upcoming 2022 flu season.1

According to Dr Daniel Furtner, Medical Director Vaccines & Biosecurity at Seqirus, protecting the public health of Australians will be crucial this winter, with our healthcare system facing pressure from COVID-19 and flu.

“The last few years have demonstrated how viruses can impact our lives, especially when we have low immunity. It’s important that we continue to focus on public health efforts including protecting high-risk communities, reducing transmission and helping people recover quickly,” said Dr Furtner.

“Washing your hands, staying home if you’re unwell, social distancing, mask-wearing on public transport and vaccination will continue to be important measures for protecting us from viruses like flu.”

Defence is strengthening its science and technology workforce by selecting 80 of Australia’s brightest minds to be fast-tracked into leadership positions.

The NAVIGATE program provides a pathway for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) specialists to transition into Defence, or to provide career mobility to current Defence STEM professionals.

Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro said this new program offers a unique opportunity for high-performing STEM professionals from a range of academic disciplines and different backgrounds.

“NAVIGATE will enhance Defence’s ability to leverage cutting-edge technology to keep Australians safe,” Professor Monro said.

“Strengthening our STEM workforce gives us a significant advantage that is central to our efforts to further strengthen Defence capability.

“This program ensures we are enabling the best talent from across our community to realise their full potential in the service of our nation.”

A key aim of NAVIGATE is to increase female representation, particularly at more senior levels, and the program was launched with pre-determined gender targets (40% female, 40% male and 20% any gender).

Applications closed in November; of the 818 applications received, 29% of applicants were female. There were 302 applicants shortlisted to move to the assessment stage, of which 31% were female.

Of the successful candidates offered a position on NAVIGATE, 43% were female, 49% were male, and 8% were undisclosed.

“This female representation figure is very encouraging,” Professor Monro said.

Participants in NAVIGATE will have the opportunity to work on solving some of Defence’s most significant science and technology challenges.

The 12-month program includes two six-month rotations, one-on-one mentoring and a dedicated professional development program, before participants are placed into a role within Defence.

For more information, see: https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/careers/navigate

THE UNITED NATIONS and the world’s scientists are calling for an end to fossil fuels in the third instalment of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, saying there must be “rapid, deep and immediate cuts” to greenhouse gas emissions.

The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) has today released its landmark Working Group III report, Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, compiled by thousands of scientists over the past eight years.

The central message of the IPCC report is clear: despite affordable renewable energy solutions being available now, governments and businesses are failing to act. Global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 and halve by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.

The IPCC said the dramatic reductions in the cost of wind, solar and battery storage technologies over the last decade meant they were already commercially viable and would be the key to decarbonising most of the world’s energy systems.

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres lambasted high emitting countries saying: “Some government and business leaders are saying one thing but doing another. Simply put, they are lying and the results will be catastrophic… but high emitting governments and corporations are not just turning a blind eye, they are adding fuel to the flames. They are choking our planet, based on their vested interests and historic investments in fossil fuels, when cheaper renewable solutions provide green jobs, energy security and greater price stability.”

“Current climate pledges would mean a 14% increase in emissions and most major emitters are not taking the steps needed to fulfil even these inadequate promises.”

Greg Bourne, Climate Councillor, energy expert, former President of BP Australasia and former advisor to Margaret Thatcher said: “The latest IPCC report shows that globally we’re making some progress but climate action is nowhere near where it needs to be – and Australia is one of the world’s biggest climate handbrakes.

“If all countries copied the federal government’s weak climate response, we would be heading for a 3°C or more global temperature rise this century, which would be catastrophic.”

Dr Madeline Taylor, Climate Councillor, energy expert and Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University, School of Law said: “This new global UN report comes shortly after the UN Secretary General singled out Australia as a ‘holdout’ with the Morrison Government refusing to increase its 2030 targets. Australia is the only major developed country that has failed to significantly strengthen its 2030 target.

“We know what is required to deeply permanently and immediately reduce emissions, and as the sunniest and one of the windiest places on earth, with a wealth of critical minerals available – Australia should be cashing in on those solutions and creating a prosperous, sustainable future.”

Andrew Stock, Climate Councillor, energy expert and former Origin Energy executive, with more than 40 years experience in senior energy executive roles said: “The Morrison Government has already wasted eight years, and the decisions we make today determine our long-term future. This latest IPCC report makes it clear that we are running out of time. Our window to avoid the worst of climate change is rapidly closing.

“Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of fossil fuels and we have the highest emissions per capita among large developed nations. By strengthening our climate commitments and actions this decade, we can have a huge impact on the future of our planet.”

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP, says Labor’s appeasement to right-wing flat tax reforms and keeping tax breaks for trusts and property investors is a death knell for Australian egalitarianism. 

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP said:

“Liberal and Labor are now in lockstep on tax cuts for the rich, sounding the death knell for social democracy. Liberal and Labor are marching Australia towards US-style inequality. 

“With Labor now joining the Liberals in delivering tax breaks to the wealthiest, there will be less in the kitty for public schools and hospitals. 

“Labor has sided with Scott Morrison in a conservative assault on Australian egalitarianism,  keeping tax rorts that drive up house prices and funding more coal and gas. 

“With Labor now joining the Liberals in a trickle-down nightmare, the only way to save Australia’s progressive tax system is to vote Greens. 

“Heading to an election, I never thought I’d see a Labor joining with the Libs on a platform of flat tax, cash for billionaires to mine more coal and gas and tax breaks for investors to drive up housing prices.”
 

Morrison Government support has helped deliver preferred bidder status for Australia’s proposal to   host the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) in 2029.

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the preferred bidder announcement by World Rugby today was a testament to Australia’s reputation for successfully delivering major sporting events.

Australia is now the preferred candidate for both the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.

“Securing the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 for Australia will be another milestone event in our green and gold decade to raise the profile of women’s sport,” Minister Colbeck said.

“It will drive increased participation in physical activity by girls and women, and improve gender equality and social inclusion in sport.”

Last week’s Budget 2022-23 indicated the Morrison Government is committed to supporting the delivery of both the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 should these bids be successful.

If successful, this will add rugby alongside top flight road cycling, basketball, soccer, cricket and netball events among many others that Australia will host in the next 10 years.

The Government’s support will go toward event preparation and staging the rugby competitions, as well as establishing legacy programs in Australia and the Pacific region, to capitalise on the interest sparked by the events to promote community sport, and sport for women and girls.

“The Government continues to support women and girls to achieve their sporting dreams and ambitions and we wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to have the world’s best women rugby players compete on Australian soil,” Minister Colbeck said.

“The timeline of major sporting events in Australia over the next decade, culminating in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, provides a unique opportunity to create significant socio-economic benefits that will last generations and drive Australia’s post COVID-19 recovery.”