The United Nations Youth Association of Australia has asked the ALP, Coalition and the Greens to answer 9 questions on youth issues during this election campaign.
UNYA’s website says: The Youth Issues Survey consisted of 9 Yes/No questions. Whilst the surveys were sent out to individual candidates, the Liberal Party of Australia and the Australian Greens provided collective responses on behalf of their candidates. We are anticipating further responses from individual Australian Labor Party candidates throughout the election campaign.
Thanks to UNYA for this initiative. Check out www.unya.org.au for more info.
The questions included:
Q: Do you believe that funding for youth and community services is adequate?
A: Labor says “There is always a justification for more funding”, The Coalition didn’t address the question but attacked Labor’s debt, presumably meaning they don’t intend to increase funding. The Greens say “No. The Greens believe that more money is required to provide tailored and effective youth services. Funding for these should be long term and not tied to the electoral cycle allowing agencies and service organisations to plan their work with confidence.”
Q: Do you believe our Government is providing young people with adequate opportunities to have their voices heard?
A: Labor says “Yes but young people also need to take the initiative and speak out on issues that they feel are important”. The Coalition appears to have taken this as a question about student unionism, and attacked both the government and student unions, but did say that “
The Coalition is committed to engaging with young Australians. We want young people to be engaged in the political process and have their voices heard.” The Greens’ statement also supports young people being part of discussions, and proposes a Commissioner for Children and Young People to advocate for people under the age of 18. 
See the full responses:
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Tags: campaign/advocacy, national, policy
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