National youth week a sham

Issue 

By Marina Carman

There's nothing like the announcement of a government-sponsored national youth week to make a young person proud and happy — at least that's what David Kemp, the minister for education, training and youth affairs, is hoping.

Bands, competitions, a new web site and flattering comments about "our thriving youth culture" are all supposed to make us forget about youth unemployment, higher costs for education and cuts to government income support.

The theme of the week is "Count me in" (to what?) and it is intended to be a "showcase of the talents, creativity and commitment of young Australians to improving the lifestyle of future generations".

The government (and the week's major sponsors including HMV, the Body Shop and Who magazine) would obviously much rather that young people concentrated on music, fashion, "culture" and lifestyle than on their worsening standard of living. (The other major sponsor, the defence department, just wants more young people to help enforce a worsening standard of living in Third World nations in the region.)

Launching the week, Kemp stated, "We want to know what young people think, what concerns them and listen to their suggestions as to how we can make things better".

Kemp has done nothing but add to these concerns. So, in case he really is listening: "Full employment, free education and a liveable income for all would be a good start!".

Indicating that the government already knows what young people think, the web page does include information on environmental issues and organisations, and on women's rights. However, look up "youth organisations" and all you get are the various state and territory government organisations.

For those who want to find an organisation that fights for the rights of young people and to make the world a better place, look up <www.greenleft.org.au/resistance/>.

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