Young People
Young people have a diversity of different needs, interests, ambitions and concerns. Labor is committed to promoting youth policies which support those divergent requirements and expectations, free from condescension. Most of all, Labor is committed to policies targeted to helping youth who suffer socio-economic disadvantage, neglect, breaks in education, and other forms of alienation.
FAQ
- What is Labor doing for Young People?
The newly elected Federal Government has commenced the implementation of a $1 billion Computers in Schools package that will allow every Australian student in years 9 to 12 to have access to a school computer, and commenced a roll-out of trades training centres in all of Australia’s 2,650 secondary schools.
As part of the NSW State Plan, the Minister for Youth, Linda Burney, is overseeing the Youth Action Plan. All up there are 44 action requirements to which the Labor Government has committed itself, covering such divergent areas of government as health, industrial relations, and education.
Labor wants young people in NSW to be healthy, safe, to have equal access to the opportunities in a fair society, and to take full part of community life as citizens.
As an example, the Labor Government has introduced Youth Housing scholarships of $2,000 each, for students in social housing to buy textbooks, computers, tuition, or to spend on other educational costs.
- How will Labor’s plan help Young People?
The establishment of a national youth representative body, similar to the NSW Youth Advisory Council, will ensure that the voices of young people are adequately heard in policymaking.
In April 2008, the Australia 2020 Summit hosted a Youth Summit, at which 100 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 from around Australia will discuss the ten critical areas on the agenda, as well as plan for the promised Australian Youth Forum. Kevin Rudd’s commitment to holding the Youth Australia 2020 summit ensured that young people, the leaders of tomorrow, will have their voices heard in shaping the future of our nation.
Labor intends to repeal the changes to the Electoral Act passed by the previous Government, and make it easier rather than harder for young people to enrol to vote. Young people will not be disenfranchised by the political process under Labor.
- What has Labor achieved for Young People?
Labor has reinstated the position of Federal Youth Minister, after the Coalition Government abolished it, recognising the importance of young people’s voices in the policy process. Kevin Rudd appointed Kate Ellis as the Federal Minister.
The NSW Government protected the State’s estimated 150,000 young workers under the age of 18 from the previous Federal Government’s WorkChoices laws; passing legislation to make sure that employers must offer wages and conditions at least in line with NSW awards. Young people in NSW were protected from unfair AWAs, which would have allowed bosses to strip them of such things as penalty rates, meal breaks, and leave.
- How can I get involved?
Join NSW Young Labor, the youth activist organisation for Labor members under the age of 27. Young Labor is a great way to be part of something bigger and to join with like minded people passionate about improving our democracy.
The many avenues for expression at 'Youth.NSW' are all great ways to get in contact with the NSW Government.