Media Statement - 15th November 2007
Labor believes that young people are Australia’s future. That is why
Kevin Rudd and Federal Labor have a plan for Australia’s future and
policies to
support young Australians in all areas of their lives.
When Mr Howard and Mr Hockey talk about how Australians have never been better off they fail to mention what is happening to young people in this country. They fail to mention that almost one in five young Australians (15-19 year olds looking for full time work) are unemployed. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows that in 76 out of the approximately 80 statistical regions in Australia there is double digit teenage unemployment.
According to the Australian Industry Group and the Dusseldorp Skills Forum, in May this year 526,000 young Australians aged 15-24 were falling through the gaps and not earning or learning full time.
Labor wants to see Australia’s young people reach their full potential. Labor’s policies on the environment and climate change, broadband, housing and rental affordability, our Education Revolution, training and skills development and our Education Tax Refund are all designed to help our young people today and into the future.
And only Labor is committed to ensuring fairness for young people at work.