Young Australians deserve action

20-October-2008

Shadow Minister for Youth, Mrs Sophie Mirabella has called for decisive and coherent action from the Rudd Government when it comes to supporting and promoting the aspirations and concerns of Young Australians.

“The Rudd Government is devoid of any real energy or leadership when it comes to the challenges facing Australian Youth. Since coming to office all we have seen from this government is the 2020 Youth Summit, the 'rebadging ' of the Coalitions Youth Roundtable as the Australian Youth Forum, and more recently the release of the government’s “How Young People are Faring” report.”

“It has reached the stage where the forums, reviews, summits and reports must be put into action. Young Australians know that actions speak much louder than words and the Government has a responsibility to finally deliver on their election promises,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The Coalition has a proud and strong record of delivering for Young Australians in government. We remain absolutely committed to supporting the government in a bipartisan way where the opportunity for young Australians to communicate with the government can be expanded. Now its time for action and its time for results."

Mrs Mirabella said the Opposition welcomed the “How Young People Are Faring Report”, but were anxious to see some serious youth policy outcomes from the Labor government.

"What we've seen from Labor so far is basically bureaucracy building. Simply holding a Youth Summit, a Youth Forum, or ordering another Report and then rubber stamping it with the word complete or finalised doesn’t cut it – Young Australians are counting on this government to assist them in a changing society where Young Australians are presented with challenges on a daily basis”

“The Rudd Government, if they are serious about assisting and promoting young Australians and supporting them in their vital areas of concern such as employment and skills development and fulfilling their education dreams, must go further than holding and commissioning endless forums and reviews.”

“Labor's spokesperson for Youth during the election campaign, Ms Tanya Pliberskek, talked about establishing the Youth Ministry as their primary policy proposal. Now they've got Kate Ellis, and she has her fancy Youth Minister title, but they don't seem to realise that real outcomes for Young Australians are far more important that titles and symbolism,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The Labor Government cannot allow the Australian Youth Forum and the “How Young People are Faring’ Report, to fall into the same talkfest trap the Youth 2020 Summit did. Young Australians are counting on this Government to deliver more than chin-wags and stunts, now is a time for this government to show it is capable of action and leadership,”

“The Coalition has a proven track record of supporting Young Australians and we will continue to hold this government to account, and continue to lobby for the Government to finally show leadership for Young Australians who are counting on them to do so."

“We have had the summit, we have had the forum, we have now had the report – Now its time for Action for Young Australians,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.