The Catholic Weekly 28 June 2020

catholicweekly.com.au 2 NEWS 28, June, 2020 FROM PAGE 1 “I really felt that what I had written was nothing more than any mother would write who was concerned about this type of public event,” she added. “I also believe we should have the freedom to write about what we believe in or about our opinion without be- ing persecuted.” Mrs Tait’s case emerged amid a parliamentary inquiry into a bill introduced by Mark Latham MLC in the NSW Leg- islative Council in February to amend the handling of com- plaints by the Anti-Discrimina- tion Board. In a motion tabled last week, Mr Lathamslammed the Board’s decision to investigate the complaint against Mrs Tait madeby activist GarryBurns as an “amazing waste of money” and “abuse of process”. Mr Steenhof supports a re- form of anti-discrimination law in the state and said it is concerning “that others read- ing about what happened to Katrina will think twice before voicing their beliefs or standing up on important issues for fear of personal attack”. “People should be free to raise concerns about impor- Tribunal case targetted mum tant issues like the protection of children, without being har- assed by activists or being per- sonally targeted,” he said. “A civil society and a func- tioning democracy requires Children watch Lil Miss Hot Mess read to them during the Feminist Press’ presentation of Drag Queen Story Hour! in the Brooklyn Public Library, New York on 2017. PHOTO:AP, MARY ALTAFFER I n this edition News Streaming Archbishop’s homily World Opinion, comment 1-7 8-9 14-16 11,17-19 20-21 24 SEPARATING CATHOLIC MYTHS FROM THE TRUTH EDITOR Peter Rosengren (02) 9390 5400 REPORTERS Marilyn Rodrigues (02) 9390 5410 David Ryan (02) 9390 5408 SUBSCRIPTIONS Rita Ng (02) 9390 5411 ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Steve Richards (02) 9390 5404 Paul Desmond (02) 9390 5406 DESIGNERS Renate Cassis Mathew De Sousa Our story begins in 1839 with the Australasian Chronicle, continuing with the Freeman’s Journal in 1850. Level 13, Polding Centre, 133 Liverpool Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Phone (02) 9390 5400 | Vol 73, No 5139. The Catholic Weekly is published by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney ABN 60 471 267 587 and is printed by ACM Australian Community Media, 159 Bells Line of Road, North Richmond NSW, 2754. LEAVE A GIFT Archdiocese of Sydney Catholic CHARITIES Order your FREE Wills and Bequests Guide today 1800 753 959 or [email protected] myWill SUPPORTINGTHE MINISTRIES OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY Leaving a gift in a Helping build a brighter future for children and families in crisis. Dunlea Centre 35A Waratah Road Engadine NSW 2233 Phone 02 8508 3900 AUSTRALIA'S ORIGINAL BOYS' TOWN A place for change... www.dunleacentre.org.au Celebrating loved ones for over 90 years Trevor Lee & Son is a family business that has helped families celebrate and remember their loved ones for over 90 years. ♦ Intimate and personal funeral services ♦ Professional, compassionate staff, available 24 hours a day ♦ On site or in the comfort of your own home ♦ Servicing all areas of Metropolitan Sydney and Country NSW ♦ Pre-Paid Funerals available Contact Bernadette (nee O’Hare), Trevor or Darren Lee on 9746 2949 to arrange an appointment. robust protections for freedom of speech and religion.” When contacted by The Catholic Weekly , Mr Burns told the paper his complaints could not be deemed vexa- tious. “I have won around 62 of 65 proceedings,” he said. “My complaints are up- held. I win in court. I have a good grasp of discrimination law.” SIGNIFICANT FACTORS such as a lack of mental health services make it more difficult for people seeking assistance from social servic- es in rural and regional com- munities, a Victorian Catholic agency has said. The need to travel long dis- tances to access health or spe- cialist treatments is another, ¾ ¾ David Ryan Agency flags isolation issues according to Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV). The difficulties faced by those in regional and remote regions have been highlight- ed in two reports to the State Government by CSSV. The reports highlighted issues faced by those in the Warrnambool and Gippsland areas of Victoria. Such circumstances have been further exacerbated by the effects of this year’s bush- fires in Gippsland and the COVID-19 pandemic. The reports outline prac- tical recommendations - in- cluding the need to improve public transport, resourcing for social services and mental health services, and reducing homelessness and housing stress - all of which have been submitted to Infrastructure Victoria to assist in this year’s update of the state’s 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy. CSSV called for a higher digital access and literacy to increase community connec- tions, particularly for older people and those who are so- cially isolated. The reports aimed to help Victoria’s Government in fu- ture decision-making, said said Joshua Lourensz, execu- tive director of CSSV.