Young Homeless People: Election Issue or Election Fodder?

• NCJ Number: 161970
• Author(s): J Pocock; C Croce
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 3 pages
• Corporate Author: Australian Youth Policy and Action Coalition, Inc
• Sale Source: Australian Youth Policy and Action Coalition, Inc
• Publication Type: Citizen Involvement Material
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: From Pinning Down the Pollies! 1996 Federal Election Campaign Kit, P 10-12.

Annotation

This article discusses youth homelessness in Australia and suggests measures to deal with the problem.

Abstract

The Australian Youth Policy & Action Coalition (AYPAC) has long advocated a common youth allowance whereby all young people, whether they are employed or in school, receive income support payments at the same level as persons over 21 years old receive. The AYPAC has argued also for establishment of an Office of Youth Affairs within the Federal Government's Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. In addition, an appropriate strategy to cope with the problem should include: immediate increase in the availability of voluntary community family mediation services; expansion of the Federal Government Students at Risk program; and establishment of minimum levels for provision of school counselors and welfare staff in primary and secondary schools as a condition of Commonwealth grant to the States and Territories. There is a list of key questions concerning youth homelessness that should be asked of election candidates.