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Kate is passionate about contributing to public debate on a wide range of important issues. Here are some of the issues she has touched on in the past.
- Should successful athletes have to pay back the AIS 10 Jun 2009
- Let's give youth voice now for a better future 12 Oct 2008
- Organ donation it's the greatest gift of all 21 Sep 2008
- Is safe sex message falling on deaf ears 31 Aug 2008
- Grassroots funding is key to Olympic glorys 10 Aug 2008
- Easy to overlook big issue of homelessness 20 Jul 2008
- Trailblazer Natasha leaves lasting legacy 29 Jun 2008
- Heavy hitters boost our World Cup hopes 01 Jun 2008
- Youth Forum Discussion Paper 17 May 2008
- We can't take sport for granted 11 May 2008
- Women truly can do anything be anything 20 Apr 2008
- Let the Games begin with all our athletes 30 Mar 2008
- Proud past but future a challenge for women 09 Mar 2008
- Young people will be heard at highest level 17 Feb 2008
- Our nation has changed dramatically in three weeks 16 Dec 2007
- Mobile Phone Towers 23 Sep 2007
- Bradken Foundry 01 Jul 2007
- Full Fees 03 Jun 2007
- Eating Disorders 17 Dec 2006
- Iraq 27 Jul 2006
- Electoral Laws 26 Jun 2006
- Dental 08 Jan 2006
- Make Poverty History 18 Sep 2005
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Media Releases
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 200816 Jul 2010 - Minister Urges Young Australians to Enrol to Vote
THE HON KATE ELLIS MP
MINISTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION,
CHILD CARE AND YOUTH
MEDIA RELEASE
16 July 2010
Minister urges young Australians to enrol to vote
Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis today launched a new campaign 'Count Me In' which encourages young Australians to enrol to vote.
Today the Youth Electoral Ambassadors will commence a race against the clock to encourage young Australians to make sure they are enrolled to vote before a federal election is called.
The Ambassadors will visit shopping centres, universities, amusement parks and sporting events all across the country to provide their peers with the information they need to get onto the electoral roll.
"I know that many young people don't think about enrolling to vote until an election is actually called," Ms Ellis said.
"My message to young Australians who aren't yet on the electoral roll is - do not wait - enrol to vote or update your details today."
The Howard Government passed legislation that means new voters only have until 8.00pm on the day the writs are issued to get onto the electoral roll.
This rule left tens of thousands of young Australians without a vote on Election Day in 2007.
"The Australian Government would like to see this one day restriction extended, so that we return to the seven day grace period that used to exist," Ms Ellis said.
"Sadly the Opposition has not supported our legislation, which gives young people more time to enrol - perhaps has something to do with Mr Abbott's opposition to the National Broadband Network, his plans to cut trade training centres or his long held view that climate change is 'crap'."
"In a democracy it is a fundamental right for every eligible Australian to have their say at election time. We want to see all eligible Australians enrolled and ensuring their voices are heard."
The Australian Government is proud to support the 'Count Me In' initiative, which is being delivered by Australian Youth Forum and the United Nations Youth Association.
The Australian Youth Forum is the Government's central communication channel with young people and the youth sector.
For more information about the 'Count Me In' campaign, visit www.countmein.org.au
Minister's Press Secretary: Jamila Rizvi 0438 644 603 jamila.rizvi@deewr.gov.au