Australia

Senate inquiry into dowry abuse in Australia to probe ‘devastating’ impacts on women

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A Senate inquiry into the nature and prevalence of dowry abuse in Australia will examine its “devastating impacts” on women in Hindu and Sikh communities amid growing concerns about a recent significant increase in dowry-related domestic violence, murders and suicides.

The inquiry will for the first time assess the adequacy of Australia’s family law system and migration law system in addressing dowry abuse after an ABC News investigation found the cultural practice had resulted in a spate of horrific deaths in the past decade following a wave of migration from the Indian sub-continent.

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Senate Inquiry: The practice of dowry and the incidence of dowry abuse in Australia

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On 26 June 2018, the Senate referred the practice of dowry and the incidence of dowry abuse in Australia to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 6 December 2018. The terms of reference are outlined on this page below. The deadline for submissions to this inquiry is 17 August 2018.

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Australia: Pope Welcomes Governor General

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Pope Francis on June 25, 2018, received in audience in the Apostolic Palace the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General Sir Peter Cosgrove, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.

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Canberra: PM invites youth for Eid celebrations

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The Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm Turnbull MP held a multi-faith Eid morning tea celebration, inviting 14 young people to the Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 18 June 2018. The event was organised by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and led by Mr Ridwaan Jadwat, Ambassador Designate to Saudi Arabia.

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Reconciliation Week: Gap between aspiration and action in indigenous justice and engagement in churches

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Indigenous and non-indigenous relations in Australia are a core part of the nation’s history and are an important element in ongoing debates about justice and identity. Recent research by the National Church Life Survey indicates a gap between actions and beliefs – in church activities – with regard to indigenous reconciliation.

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Living the Change launched in Australia

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The Australian chapter of a new and ambitious global campaign, “Living the Change, was launched on May 3 at a national gathering of the multi-faith Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC). With a byline, “faithful choices for a flourishing world”, this is a fresh faith-led initiative which aims to champion the role of more sustainable lifestyles in protecting the earth from global warming.

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Australia: Social Justice for Newly Arrived Migrants

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The Social Services Legislation Amendment (Encouraging Self-sufficiency for Newly Arrived Migrants) Bill 2018 will extend waiting times and cause hardship to newly arrived migrants in many circumstances. The Harmony Alliance – which provides advocacy on the multiplicity of issues impacting on experiences and outcomes of migrant and refugee women in Australia is sending an open letter to Female MPs and Senators, calling on them to oppose these measures, on the basis that they will disproportionately target safety nets accessed by migrant women.

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