You Think Your Say
The Salvation Army has released a report prepared for the Federal Government’s Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). This report, supported by Business Group Australia, is the result of extensive community consultations held in mid 2009 which were designed and facilitated by The Salvation Army to provide an opportunity for the voices of disadvantaged and disempowered young people to be provided direct to Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare and Youth.
The Salvation Army organised these consultation sessions, often in partnership with other community based organisations, with young people between 15 and 24 years of age in more than 40 separate locations across Australia. More than 1,000 young people participated in the consultation, including nearly 300 who met at the Melbourne Town Hall.
It also attempted for the first time a videoconference with disadvantaged young people from around the country facilitated by Hugh MacKay. The major report outlines the views of the young people who attended these consultations, clearly recognising the importance of presenting their views as succinctly and faithfully as possible.
The forums highlighted the difficulties young people face across areas such as economic pressure, housing and government services. A total of 37% of all respondents indicated they felt positive about their future in Australia. Of concern, however, is the 33% of respondents who do not.
A central concern related to the challenges young people face when pursuing vocational education and training places in occupational areas where they believe there are real job outcomes, because the do not have the financial capacity to cover TAFE fees and are unable to access additional government support.
Participants also expressed a belief that government should do more to prevent homelessness before a young person finds themselves on the street, stating that early intervention at home and at school is required. Discussions also highlighted a need for a single entry point to government for young people.
The Salvation Army thanks the young people who participated with so much enthusiasm and commitment, all the supporting organisations, the Business Group Australia team, Hugh Mackay, and officers of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and Centrelink for all their work in ensuring the best possible outcome. It was a successful initiative in engaging with a segment of young Australians who rarely get the opportunity to talk directly to their national government.
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”- Psalm 103:17-18
