The Department of Health’s Youth Taskforce has released an interim report on the issues and matters of concern for young Australians, revealing recurring themes across rural and metropolitan areas.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Senator Richard Colbeck said the report, Youth Taskforce Interim Report, provided a snapshot of the issues and matters, informed by extensive consultation, relevant data, surveys and research.
“The major findings in the Interim Report confirm the key issues for young Australians identified in other youth surveys, including mental health and employment concerns,” Senator Colbeck said.
“While the consultations heard of varying issues, the Taskforce stated there were also many ideas for improving services and making a genuine difference in the lives of disadvantaged young people,” he said.
“I thank every person who shared their experiences and positive ideas.”
Senator Colbeck said that rather than preparing a final report due to COVID-19, the Taskforce was now concentrating on developing a National Youth Policy Framework to consider the impact of last summer’s bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic as well as underlying issues.
He said young people, youth organisations and relevant Government Agencies would be consulted on the framework in the coming months.
In its Interim Report, the Youth Taskforce said that while it may be assumed there were differences in the experiences of those living in cities compared to life in rural or remote areas, there were recurring themes that turned up at every consultation.
It said the recurring themes were mental health concerns and rates of youth suicide; difficulty navigating the system and finding programs/services that could help them; and transport as a barrier to employment and accessing education and health services.
The Taskforce’s 67-page Interim Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
