The Justice and Equity Centre (JEC) says a new five-year grant from the Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) will strengthen its capacity and capability to work across the for-purpose sector, to support people and communities to thrive.
The $2.5 million grant will support the JEC’s work to expose and challenge unfair legal outcomes, coordinate evidence-based advocacy campaigns, and mobilise the broader for-purpose sector on critical justice issues. PRF’s support reflects a shared commitment to stronger sector capability and broader systems change.
Key activities supported through the grant include:
- strategic litigation to challenge unlawful practices,
- policy research and recommendations, and
- advocacy to decision-makers, to improve unfair laws and regulations.
The funding will also help the JEC (previously known as the Public Interest Advocacy Centre or PIAC) build capacity in the for-purpose sector in advocacy, influencing and coalition-building, supporting people with lived experience to take on leadership roles and help shape decisions that affect them.
Justice and Equity Centre CEO, Jonathon Hunyor, says the grant will help the organisation deepen its long-term work to drive systemic change.
‘For the Justice and Equity Centre, achieving social justice is about shifting the conditions that affect people’s lives: removing barriers to fairness and improving outcomes. PRF’s investment builds our capacity to expose, challenge and change systems that cause and entrench disadvantage,’ he said.
‘Social change is often slow and unpredictable. This long-term commitment allows us to go deep in our work. It allows time to form and sustain effective coalitions, develop solutions based on evidence, shift thinking and build community momentum for change.
Liz Yeo, Chief Alliances Officer at Paul Ramsay Foundation, said the Foundation was proud to back JEC’s work.
‘For families and communities to truly thrive, things need to be fair and equal for everyone. By supporting the JEC, we’re helping to drive change across different systems, build stronger advocacy, and make sure the voices of people with lived experience are heard. We’re proud to support the JEC’s big-picture work with steady, long-term, flexible funding.’
Media contacts:
JEC – Dan Buhagiar, 0478 739 280
PRF – Pia Akerman, 0412 346 746
