Senator Kate Lundy, Federal Shadow Minister for Youth Affairs, today condemned the Prime Minister, Mr Howard, and his Minister for Youth Affairs, Dr Kemp, for failing to show leadership on youth issues.
“The National Children’s Summit currently being held at Parliament House has highlighted the fact that the Community has had to take the lead in addressing the very important youth issues of today because the Coalition Government has left a complete void in the area”, Senator Lundy said.
“When governments fail to address the problems and concerns of youth they condemn a nation to a very bleak future. The Prime Minister’s failure to even send along one of his Ministers to the Summit indicates a complete disregard and contempt for the young people of Australia.
“The Coalition Government needs to focus more on listening and working with representatives of events such as the Summit than simply dismantling and defunding youth organisations. In addition to confronting the well publicised problems facing Australia such as youth suicide and youth unemployment the Summit will be looking at positive ideas such as business mentoring programs.
“All these issues are far too important for the government to be complacent about and the Minister should be at this Summit”, said Senator Lundy.
The delegates attending the conference come from community, business, and youth organisations, together with a large delegation of young people from right around the country.
The Summit is also allowing young people who are not attending to be involved by using the web site www.chatabox.com.au/cfc to send in questions or issues that they would like debated by delegates over the weekend.
Senator Lundy is hoping that Minister Kemp will take the time to read the Plan Of Action that will be developed following the Summit which will be based on the outcomes of the debates and discussions of the delegates.
Contact: Matthew Cossey (02) 6277 3334
