Uniting Justice Australia

Taxation reform in Australia

UnitingJustice has contributing to the Uniting Church's submission to the Australian Government's review of the tax and tranfer system (known as the 'Henry Review). This major review was announced in May of this year, and will produce its final report at the end of 2009 after two major rounds of public submissions and further public meetings and hearings.

Find out more about the tax review

Our submission is based on the belief that taxation is the primary means we have to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth in our society and to raise public money. It is through this system that we ensure that the basic needs of people in society are met. The expertise and experience of UnitingCare Australia has contributed greatly to this submission.

Download the submission

Find out more about UnitingJustice's work in the area of economic justice  

UCA opposes death penalty for Bali bombers

The Uniting Church in Australia has reaffirmed its opposition to the death penalty, amidst speculation that the execution of the three men responsible for the 2002 Bali bombings is imminent.

Uniting Church President, Rev. Gregor Henderson, said that while the Church condemns terrorism and continues to pray for those affected by the horrific and devastating events of October 2002, the Church would not condone the death penalty under any circumstances.

Read the full media release

Climate change news

The Uniting Church has continued its involvement in the climate change debate by making a submission to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper Consultation Process.
Download this submission

On July 16, the Australian Government released its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper. The Green Paper discusses options for emissions trading in Australia and outlines the Government's preferred position on an national emissons trading scheme.
Find out more about the Green Paper

UnitingJustice has also produced two fact sheets for church members wanting to know more about emissions trading.

Fact Sheet: Emissions Trading in Australia

Fact Sheet: Putting Equity Back in the Climate Change Debate

Find out more about the Uniting Church's work on climate change and evironmental sustainability

The campaign for an Australian human rights charter

The Uniting Church has endorsed a letter sent to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd welcoming his Government's commitment to the greater recognition of human rights in Australia whilst calling for the commencement of open, fair and public consultation on the protection of human rights in Australia.
Download this letter

UnitingJustice will continue its engagement with this campaign through its participation in the Australian Human Rights Group.
Download the Australian Human Rights Group media release

This involvement follows on from the Uniting Church's National Assembly Standing Committee's adoption in March of this year of support for a national human rights charter, born from widespread and effective community consultation.
Download this resolution

Find out more about UnitingJustice's work in the area of human rights