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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 | 200825 Sep 2008 - New Australian Government Office for Youth
The Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, today launched the Australian Government's Office for Youth, re-affirming the Rudd Government's commitment to Australia's young people.
The establishment of the Office, a Rudd Government election commitment, was announced in this year's Federal Budget and represents an important step in the Government's reform agenda.
"This Government is acutely aware of the complex challenges facing young Australians. On issues such as housing affordability, the costs of getting an education, drug and alcohol issues, climate change, body image and mental health issues, there is a generational divide when comparing the experiences of today's youth to those of previous generations," Ms Ellis said.
"The Office for Youth equips the Government to apply specific focus and attention to the particular issues facing young people across all portfolios."
There are 2.7 million Australians aged between 15 and 24 years, representing 13.6 per cent of the population. It is a formative and crucial stage of life that poses unique challenges and opportunities.
"It is vital that we do all we can to ensure young Australians reach their full potential and that the most effective policies, programs and services are in place to respond to their specific life circumstances and needs," Ms Ellis said.
The Office for Youth will identify key issues impacting on the lives of young Australians and play a strategic policy advice role to ensure that they are given the best opportunities now and in the future.
Situated within the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Office will provide support and advice to other government agencies to help them better engage with young people. The new Office is one of a number of important steps in the Australian Government's youth affairs reform agenda.
The 2008-09 Budget also provided $8 million over four years to establish the Australian Youth Forum. Building on the involvement of young people in the Youth and Australian 2020 Summits, the Forum will give young Australians the opportunity to engage with the Government about issues affecting their lives today and the big issues of the future.
"We are listening to young people to get their take on the issues as well as inviting their input on how best to respond. Combining a new framework for youth engagement with the expertise and capacity of the new Office, this Government is strongly committed to making a real difference in the lives of Australia's youth," Ms Ellis said.
For more information about the new Office for Youth, visit www.deewr.gov.au/officeforyouth.