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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 | 200811 Aug 2008 - Celebrating International Youth Day
Young Australians are better educated than any previous generation about the environment and the need to protect it, the Minister for Youth and Sport, Kate Ellis, said ahead of the United Nations International Youth Day tomorrow - 12 August 2008.
PDF printable version of Celebrating International Youth Day (PDF 26 KB)The theme for this year's event is Youth and Climate Change: Time for Action, reflecting the growing call by young people for action to protect the planet from environmental degradation.
"Young people are more aware than ever of the importance of the environment to their future and the potential impact of climate change on Australia's future prosperity," Ms Ellis said from Beijing.
"International Youth Day is a perfect opportunity to recognise the growing role young people are playing in local efforts to care for the environment, and I encourage more Australians to follow their lead.
"While the Beijing Games is showcasing the sporting talent and achievements of our young athletes, International Youth Day recognises the commitment and drive of young Australians in other areas, such as the environment.
"Young people are making a important contributions in various field, including volunteering or campaigning to raise awareness about particular issues affecting their community.
"About a third of young Australians do volunteer work, and one in 10 is actively involved in civic or political groups, trying to make the world a better place."
Ms Ellis said Elizabeth Shaw and Melanie Poole, two young Australians who have been chosen to represent young Australians at the UN General Assembly in New York later this year, were examples of the talent and drive of young Australians.
Ms Shaw, from Western Australia and Ms Pool, from Canberra, have talked to young people nationwide about the issues they find most pressing, and will present their findings at the UN General Assembly.
"These young women are among many young Australians who are making outstanding contributions to their communities at the local or international level," Ms Ellis said.
"The Australian Government recognises the importance of the youth voice on various issues facing the world today and supports the international leadership and participation of young Australians.
"The current generation of Young Australians does not have to wait its turn to participate in public debate and discussion."