Parliamentary Speeches
Address to the National Press Club - International Youth Day 2009
12 Aug 2009I'd like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Ngunnawal people, and pay my respects to their elders past and present.
I'd also like to acknowledge my parliamentary colleagues and Lisa Paul, Secretary of the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations.
And I would like to take this opportunity to recognise that we are also joined by some phenomenal young Australians here today - and I particularly note the members of the Australian Youth Forum Steering Committee as well as some truly inspiring young people who I will mention shortly.
To all of you I'd like to wish you a very happy International Youth Day.
In honesty I recognise that some of you may not have been counting down the sleeps to this important day, and indeed International Youth Day may not stop the nation - but I think it is a fitting time for us to reflect upon the state of Australia's youth, our attitudes and treatment of young people, and the importance of this - often maligned - area of policy.
So let's just be upfront about this - some view the youth portfolio as at best a feel good pat on the back for a group of over-achieving youngsters and at worst a waste of the parliament's time when we should be discussing "real issues."
People at times dismiss youth policy as a bit of fluff, and because of this I think from the outset today it's firstly important to acknowledge and address the misconceptions and some of the stereotypes that exist around youth and youth policy and then I'd like to take this opportunity to focus on why this stuff, actually really matters.
I want to outline the reasons why - even if one doesn't choose to recognise our young people out of the goodness of their own heart - there are compelling economic and social reasons to invest in young Australians and why this is in the national interest.
And finally today I want to outline how the young people of today, face serious challenges, challenges that governments cannot afford to continually ignore.
Some may recall that we made an election commitment to compile a State of Australia's Young People report. Today I will be providing the first snapshot of this upcoming Report which sets off some pretty serious alarm bells about the health and state of mind of our young people - highlighting issues such as self harm, negative body image, cyber bullying and sky rocketing rates of violence as key areas of concern.
I will touch on these issues shortly - and also will today release some of the key findings and statistics out of the Report.
Overall the point I make today is that you may be able to run a short term political agenda that excludes young people, but if you want to prepare a nation for the challenges of the future - if you want to govern in the long term interest with an eye on the consequences tomorrow as well as today, and in fact if you want to be a government for all Australians - then youth policy matters.
Talking about my Generation - challenging stereotypes
And whilst people may belatedly be beginning to recognise the importance politically of youth - as highlighted by the influential youth campaign that significantly contributed to the election of Obama - the importance of youth policy has been significantly under valued.
Unfortunately the only positive thing I can say about the Opposition when it comes to youth policy - is that at least they were consistent in being bad.
A Government who abolished the Ministry for Youth, defunded the National Youth Peak and to whom youth engagement went no further than the 44 hand picked young Australians on the national youth round table.
A Government who attacked young people, went too far with their ideologically driven VSU legislation, enforced HECS hike upon HECS hike on our students, slugged our young workers with WorkChoices and legislated to close the electoral roll on the day writs were issued, leaving one hundred thousand young people left without a vote in 2007.
A Government driven by short term politics.
A Government that failed to act on the serious issues facing young people - preferring instead to embrace and perpetuate damaging stereotypes.
And I think it's important to tackle the problems with stereotyping - head on.
This is not going to be a lecture on giving young people a fair go - or pitting the alphabet of generations against each other - but I think it's important to acknowledge up front that stereotyping of young people exists and has existed across the generational divide.
What do we see if we look at the young Baby Boomers through the lens of their parents - a rebellious mob of long haired louts whose music was obscene?
And what of Generation X - drugs sex and rock n roll?
And how do we ourselves often stereotype Generation Y - the never had it bad generation, celebrity obsessed, not great with money, apathetic, Corey, Chk Chk Boom - need I say more?
The reality is that perceptions of young people are often laden with cliches whatever their generation.
The good news for the Baby Boomers and Xers - is that the long standing legacy of each generation is ultimately defined by themselves - when they eventually get to be in charge.
The good news for the current generation is that I don't believe that you will sit back and wait for your turn to correct the record and dismantle the incorrect labels of self obsessive and apathetic.
And nor should you.
But why is that so often generations choose to play the bully big brother or sister in highlighted the flaws of those who follow - and what impact is this having?
American writer and futurist Alvin Toffler doesn't pull any punches when he says:
The secret message communicated to most young people today by the society around them is that they are not needed, that the society will run itself quite nicely until they - at some distant point in the future - will take over the reins. Yet the fact is that the society is not running itself nicely... because the rest of us need all the energy, brains, imagination and talent that young people can bring to bear down on our difficulties.
I agree with Alvin - and I believe that it is critical that Government's invest in young people - engage them in decision making - and harness their talents and energies today.
Because it's in the nation's best interest - both in the immediate and long term future.
Because it's in the long term National Interest
In 20 years time it will be the current generation of young Australians - while we are kidding ourselves that 60 is the new 40 - who will be the emerging as the decision makers.
Let's fast forward 20 or 30 years - when we will all be living in a world faced with enormous challenges - challenges that will be determined it will the Generation Y with their hands on the steering wheel.
Think about this:
The sum of human knowledge is doubling every three years.
An estimated 70 % of the jobs that will exist in the year 2020 do not exist now.
By 2030 Australians could face around 1 degree Celsius warming of temperatures and up to 20 % more drought months
Increases in storm surges and severe weather events.
Declining oil production will bring major changes and challenges to our heavily oil-dependent lifestyles.
In 2033 health and residential aged care expenditure is projected to increase by 189 per cent from $85 billion today to $246 billion.
As well as paying to support the health and welfare costs associated with our ageing population, this generation of young people will also take on the caring responsibility. And this responsibility is likely to fall when these young people are also caring for their children.
I don't know about you - but I reckon investing in young people now to prepare them and the nation for the challenges we face in the future - is a pretty sound investment and there is just so much change to grapple with, the time to commence is right now.
And that's what we have been doing. Investing in young people and moving youth policy from the periphery of Government business - to the centre of Government action.
Economy, Jobs and Education
And there is no action that demonstrates this more, than the steps we took to help cushion the impact of the global recession on young Australians.
The global recession seriously threatened to derail the potential of the current generation and in doing so threaten the future of our economy.
History tells us that young people are often the first to feel the impacts of economic downturn and the last to benefit when the economy recovers.
Between June 2008 and 2009 the number of unemployed 15 to 24 year olds has increased from 60,000 to 255,000.
The Prime Minister has made it clear that we won't stand by and watch thousands of young Australians have their hopes and aspirations dashed by a recession not of their making.
It's also important to remember that young Australians are not just passengers in our economy.
They are active contributors to our nation's productivity, wealth and prosperity.
According to the ABS almost half of all 15-19-year-olds and over two-thirds of all 20-24-year-olds were working in 2006.
And in 2007 Australians aged between 15 and 24 had a total gross income of approximately $50 billion dollars.
Letting these young workers and consumers fall through the cracks is against everyone's best interest both now and in the future.
Evidence shows us that young individuals who face prolonged periods of unemployment can face a phenomena known as the 'scarring effect' - where a young persons long term full time employability is permanently damaged by the onset of early unemployment.
The OECD has also identified that long term unemployment for young people - can not only be costly for the individual - it can come with a longer term price tag for the nation.
What this all boils down to is that it is incumbent upon Government to ensure that young Australians remain engaged productively during this time of economic down turn - and are not left to languish on the unemployment queue.
And that's what we have done.
We have established the $277 million Compact with Young Australians -guaranteeing all young people aged under 25 with an education or training place.
Underpinning the Compact is the $623 million National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions which I am currently working on with the States and Territories to overhaul our youth programs to will improve educational outcomes and transition support so more young people complete school and go on to further study, training or work.
This National Partnership will also create a new and improved safety net to help the young Australians who need additional support to engage with training or employment.
Because we know that there are many young people who face barriers to participating in education and training, such as homelessness, drug and alcohol issues, family dysfunction, juvenile justice issues and mental health problems.
We also know that young people in regional and indigenous communities - have unique challenges when it comes to accessing employment and education.
It's important that we work with these young Australians with additional challenges to ensure that existing disadvantage is not exacerbated by the current economic climate.
And we will do this by undertaking long over due reform of the Commonwealth's Transition programs.
This may not sound sexy but it is critical reform - that will better align employment and support services with the needs of young people at a grass roots level.
We have been working closely with the existing program providers in this space to ensure they have the information they need to identify opportunities for their organisations under the new, more localised structure.
Reform of this nature can be tough - but I think we would all agree that working together to improve the opportunities for young Australians to get the skills and the support they need - particularly in these difficult times - is worth our persistence.
We have of course also taken decisive steps to create jobs and stimulate the economy by investing in tomorrow's infrastructure today.
Due to time constraints I am not going to run through the shopping list of Government activities that have been critical in supporting young people to be productive participants of our current or future economy.
You will all be aware of our $42 billion in a Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, $650 million Jobs Fund, $33.7 million for an additional 5,500 pre-vocational training and support places.
And there is also incredible investment in education, schools and higher education - delivered by the deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Health
As well as economic development, education and training, the health of young Australians has also been top of our big issues priority list.
As we've made clear we recognise that any responsible Government will take note of some of the statistics I previously mentioned regarding the challenges facing our health and hospital system and respond accordingly and we've made clear that this is exactly what we intend to do.
And if you are serious about tackling the significant health challenges of the future - you have to be serious about reform and you have to serious about prevention.
Now while I am being Captain obvious here - when it comes to investing in prevention - the earlier, the better and that means our youth.
Not just for the benefit of the individual and their family - but also ultimately for the benefit of our nation's health bill.
The benefits of preventative health and early intervention are clear.
Take mental health in Australia - 64 per cent of mental illness starts before the age of 21.
This is backed up by the stat that shows us that 40 per cent of young people aged 16 to 24 have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.
The alarming rate of mental illness amongst young Australians is an example of one of the serious challenges facing young Australians - that have risen to a level of severity not faced by any generation that has gone before.
In recognition of this we have already taken decisive action in this area - nearly doubling our investment in youth-specific mental health programs over the next four years.
It would be remiss of me to not mention the powerful role that sport and activity can play in prevention - particularly given my other hat.
The major investments made in grassroots facilities, the introduction of programs like local Sporting Champions and our current reform process - we have made it clear that fit and active young Australians are a priority.
Issues confronting the current generation of Young Australians
So whether its jobs, education, training or health, to name a few, right across Government we are investing in young people as part of our core business.
Because we know recognise that there are serious and unique challenges which directly effect today's generation of young Australians, and we see it as the responsibility of the entire Government to address them.
I am pleased to be able to offer a snapshot of these issues, as identified in the upcoming first State of Australia's Young People Report.
And while the Report identifies that over all young Australians are doing well - as I said earlier it sets off alarm bells particularly in relation to some key areas:
One in four young Australians aged 16-24 years old have a mental health disorder with young people, especially girls now highlighting self harm and unhealthy body image as huge emerging issues.
More than a quarter of year 8 Australian students report that they know someone who had been cyber-bullied.
Young people are more likely than others to be affected by particular crimes, such as violence.
Teenagers aged 15-19 years had the highest hospitalisation rates for acute intoxication from alcohol among all age groups.
When we look at new issues like escalating rates of self harm, cyber - bullying, growing incidences of negative body image and alarming levels of violence - it is clear that these issues threaten to impact on the health and well being of the current generation, like they never have before.
As I look around the room, I recognise even I, despite being young-ish and as I do, fancying myself as being somewhat in-touch, didn't face anywhere near the sorts of extreme pressures that I know are now on young people's minds.
And it is clear that the experiences of my Parliamentary colleagues are vastly different to the experiences of those aged 15-24 today.
The same can also be said of the Press Gallery.
As a collective group, I feel I am on pretty safe ground in saying that while some of the issues faced by young Australians are not new - I feel I am on pretty safe ground in saying that those on the Hill did not face the same challenges that young people do today.
Self Harm and Body Image
The State of Australia's Young People Report features the following feedback from a young woman on an issue that is emerging as an alarming trend among young people, self harm.
I know a couple of girls in our class who have cut themselves ... It was depression.
It is difficult for any of us to imagine - the psychological distress that must accompany this behaviour - and I for one am the first to acknowledge that this is a delicate and complex area.
What we do know is that 25,000 Australians are admitted to hospital each year for self harm.
And the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has also found that hospitalisation rates for intentional self harm among young people increased by 43% between 1996 and 2006.
This increase was much greater for young women a 51% increase than for young men a 27% increase.
This is our Young Australia - so lost, so isolated and frustrated that they take to slashing their own flesh or other serious forms of harm and mutilation.
If these stats aren't a call to arms - then I don't know what is.
The manifestation of mental illness in physical form is also playing out in our class rooms and homes across the country - in the form of negative body image.
The Report also features feedback from young Australians regarding the pressure to be thin:
At my school, in every year level there was someone who was anorexic, that's pretty bad odds
Negative body image is reaching epidemic proportions amongst young Australians, especially young girls - bombarded with fanciful and manipulated imagery in magazines and on TV - young girls are quite literally starving themselves to ascertain an ideal level of thinness that in itself is usually the product of digital manipulation and distortion.
We know of alarming stories of girls aged as young as six - dieting because they think they are over weight.
What these figures tell us - is that negative body image is not a passing fad - it is a serious issue that is threatening the health, confidence and self esteem of the next generation of Australian women.
This is a very complex issue and the Government believes the most effective approach is to work in partnership with the media, health sector, fashion industry and young people themselves to develop a national approach to tackle negative body image in a coordinated and targeted way.
In line with this approach we have appointed the first ever national Body Image Advisory Group - to devise a National Strategy to help us tackle this tragic problem.
And a key priority for the group is the development of a voluntary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image that will provide guidance on the responsible portrayal of body image by the media, advertising and fashion industries and advising upon next steps in an effective national approach on the issue.
In addition the Government has also invested $500,000 to establish a new National Eating Disorders Collaboration that will bring together eating disorder experts in research, education, health promotion, public health and mental health, as well as the media - to help develop a consistent approach to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders.
We're taking the issue seriously - where previously it's been dismissed and we'll act meaningfully and not just point the finger.
Cyber Bullying
The heartbreaking case last month of a 14-year-old Victorian student who took her own life hours after someone threatened to reveal her secrets over the Internet, highlights the gravity of the situation. This story touched thousands of people across the country and brought the issue of cyber-bullying to the fore of many people's minds for the first time. But for young people dealing with it night after night alone in their room, it's an all too harsh reality - and one that we, as a Government can't ignore.
The insidious nature of cyber-bullying means that the sanctity of the family home is no longer a guaranteed safe haven from the school bully - students can now be reached by text message or through social networking sites 24/7.
For this reason, the Government has announced a three million dollar national pilot project which is aimed at addressing the issue of cyber-bullying in our schools.
At least 150 schools across the country will be involved in the pilot program which will help confront safety issues in e-communications, including cyber-bullying.
Violence
The State of Australia's Young People Report also indicates that violence can have a serious impact on young people's health and wellbeing.
I don't think anyone in this room would be surprised by this - all you really need to do is read our daily newspapers to see that senseless street violence is shattering the lives not only of our young people, but also their families and friends.
And while often seen as the perpetrators of public violence, young people are also overwhelmingly the victims.
Incidents of assault have almost doubled since 1995 with young males and females aged between 15 and 24 having the highest rate of being victims of assault.
I recognise that violence is an issue that is unfortunately not new to our community - but the ferociousness and frequency of street attacks, often fuelled by excessive alcohol consumption, is on the rise.
I think the fact that we have a term for smashing a glass into someone face says it all - the fact that incidents of 'glassing' has increased by more than 25% in NSW between 2003 and 2008 - says even more.
There is no quick fix or easy solution to this problem - but what I do know is that in order to tackle this issue effectively - young Australians must be involved in identifying the solution.
In February this year at the Government's inaugural YouTHINK event over 600 young Australians across the country - shared their experiences of violence via satellite hook up.
I am pleased to say that these experiences have now been presented to Annette Ellis, Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth Committee which is set to report on the impact of violence on young Australians later this year.
Annette is here today as are two remarkable young role models Jono Chase and Nina Funnel who have determined that they not only want to be part of the solution to street violence - they are taken the lead in finding one.
And I think on the day following the revelation that yet another one of our sports stars is facing serious allegations of violence - it is timely reminder for our positive role models in both sport and the broader community - to all take a strong stand against violence.
Because violence in any circumstance - especially against women - is unacceptable.
And as I have outlined on the Punch today attempts to absolve role models of their responsibility in this space is not on - and defending violent behaviour should never be condoned or tolerated.
I think we could learn a lot from - Jono and Nina - who know what it's like to be to be victim of violence or to lose one of your mates to it. Just let me briefly share their stories...
Jono is a co founder of Step Back think which in the groups words began
...after the brutal bashing of our friend James Macready-Bryan in the city in 2006. James is now confined to bed or a wheelchair, imprisoned in a body that doesn't work because of the damage caused in a split-second of senseless violence. He can't walk, talk or eat and exists in a twilight zone where he's neither dead nor alive.
And Nina's story is equally as powerful and inspiring -
Nina Funnell was sexually assaulted in 2007 by a suspected serial rapist and has claimed back her power by going public with what happened to her. Previously a journalism student, Nina now spends her time raising awareness of sexual assault and advocating women's rights and self defence and has helped countless youths deal with their assaults through her public forums and various articles which have been published in various mediums.
I have been in the room when Nina and Jono have told their stories to young people just like them - and I doubt there is a Member of Parliament or journalist, who could cut through like they do.
Conclusion
For far too long young Australians and the issues they face have been undervalued and underestimated.
Ours is a Government that won't make the same error.
We recognise that we need young people to be part of the solutions - not just for today but for tomorrow.
We recognise that dismissing young Australians and telling them to sit back and wait their turn - lacks foresight.
We recognise that young people have an amazing contribution to make - and harnessing this contribution is smart.
And we recognise that in order to secure our future - we need to invest in young people today.
And we have backed this in with action.
Returning Youth to the Ministry; establishing the Office of Youth, to bring a focus on young people not just on youth issues but across Government; engaging in innovative ways to reach young people on their own turf through the Australian Youth Forum - resulting in 1.2 million hits on line - and literally speaking directly with thousands of young people across the nation in their own communities.
Of course its not all doom and gloom - we have a remarkable generation of young people who are truly inspired. But what the issues I touch on to day point to is the need for us to respond to changes within their community and to ensure the self esteem, self confidence and empowerment of this important group.
And we will do this because we get that if you want to govern in the long term interest, if indeed you want to act as a government for all Australians and harness the productivity and innovation of an entire nation.
You can't exclude 20% of the population.
And that's why Youth matters.