[2022] COVID19 Pandemic Recovery Report
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COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery: Young People's Perspectives
Many young people feel the disruptions caused by the pandemic which occurred at a crucial time in their development. This report produced by Youth Action alongside young people and the youth sector, presents a range of recommendations on what is needed for NSW to adequately support the recovery of young people.
Strengthening social capital is key to the successful rebuilding of the economy and society post COVID, especially if we are to establish the conditions for young people to thrive and reach their full potential. Our state and our nation will need targeted investment to increase engagement and participation of young people, through supports and services in areas such as mental health, education, employment, through care for those in contact with law, justice, and child protection systems, and the expansion of youth specific services. Young people need to be actively involved in the design, implementation, and monitoring of these programs and services to ensure their effectiveness.
Youth Action’s COVID-19 Recovery Report draws on what we heard during our consultations throughout 2020 and 2021. Young people and the sector’s lived experiences of dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 strongly influenced their thoughts, ideas and recommendations about what is needed for society to recover.
Download the Report
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Get involved
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Join in to collectively raise awareness about the report findings and recommendations. Below are ways you can support us.
1. Include the following in your next email newsletter
Many young people feel the disruptions caused by the pandemic which occurred at a crucial time in their development. Youth Action has launched a new report that was produced alongside young people and the youth sector, presenting a range of recommendations on what is needed for NSW to adequately support the recovery of young people. Click here to access the report and raise awareness.
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[2022] National Youth Plan
Calling for a Strong Commitment to Young People - National Youth Plan
Youth Action together with the other state and territory youth peaks are calling on all parties and independents to commit to a National Youth Plan ahead of the 2022 federal election. The plan drives action on key priorities identified by young people and will embed their voices and lived experience in government decision-making, calling for action on matters such as climate change, disaster resilience and recovery, employment, education, housing security, mental health and access and inclusion. It is also seeks support for other campaigns that impact young people such as seeking core funding for the national youth peak Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC), Raise the Rate and an Inquiry into Intergenerational Fairness.
The Federal Government should partner with Australia’s young people and the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) to establish the National Youth Plan, so that it is relevant to, and addresses the needs and priorities of, all young people, especially those who face marginalisation.
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Download the plan
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[2021] Support for Rural & Regional Learner Drivers
Youth Action welcomes this opportunity to make this submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety’s inquiry into support for rural and regional learner drivers. This is an area of importance to young people and the youth sector in New South Wales, which significantly impacts day-to-day life. The state's geography and public transport
infrastructure make private transport via car a necessity for many young people in rural, regional and some outer-metropolitan areas.
Download the Submission
[2021] Young People and Buy Now Pay Later
Young People and BNPL: An NCOSS 'Cost of Living in NSW' Report
New research conducted by NCOSS and Youth Action into Buy Now Pay Later products highlights the fact that young people predominantly use these products responsibly and that they see them as a legitimate way for those on low incomes to manage the increasing cost of living. It does however also draw attention to the precarious financial situation for many young people and how a sudden reduction in income can quickly lead to a young person finding themselves in a difficult debt situation. Young people tell us that they want more opportunities for financial literacy education. This report shows that this kind of education could be particularly beneficial to younger ages or those in vulnerable financial situations.
Download the Report
[2021] Young Renters Report
Young Renters: We hear you!
Key findings from the young renter survey and roundtables.
A report by the Tenants’ Union of NSW and
Youth Action.
Download the Report
[2021] Job Security
Youth Action welcomes this opportunity to make a submission to the Select Committee on Job Security Inquiry. We are calling on the government to mitigate the impact of insecure and precarious employment upon young people. While young people see opportunity within the tech-driven on-demand and gig economies, they also expect job opportunities that are reliable and provide decent working conditions. Security is increasingly important as Australia recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Young people's voices and lived experience should be central to government approaches to job security and young people are eager to participate in decision-making processes impacting them. Youth Action encourages the government to consult young people in an ongoing and meaningful manner on these issues.
Download the Submission
[2020] Inquiry into Assaults on Members of the NSW Police
Youth Action welcomes the invitation to make a submission to the Inquiry into Assaults on Members of the NSW Police Force by the Committee on Law and Safety. NSW Police play an integral role in community safety and have the right to conduct their work without fear of violence. While the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research indicates instances of police assault from young people is low, we believe this inquiry has the potential to strengthen police practices and programs to support positive relations with young people and limit any potential violent behaviour.
Download the Submission
[2020] A New Student Behaviour Strategy
This document provides a joint comment on NSW Government's draft Student Behaviour Strategy from Youth Action and Yfoundations. We believe there is a real opportunity to embed young people's voice in the decision-making process, and support further consultation and engagement with students and youth organisations regarding school policies.
Download the Submission
[2021] Strengthening Income Support
Youth Action welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Income Support) Bill 2021. We are calling on the Government to reconsider its announced minimal increased with a meaningful increase that lifts young people out of poverty. The ramifications of a social service system that continues to entrench poverty from a young age will lead to poorer educational, employment and social outcomes for all communities. A meaningful increase in Youth Allowance and JobSeeker will not only support Individuals but lead to stronger communities and empowered young people. This submission is informed by our ongoing advocacy in equity and poverty reduction, joint campaigning efforts with the Raise the Rate for Good campaign, and most significantly by the voices of young people and the services that support them.
Download the Submission
[2019] Prevention and Early Intervention Paper
The research is clear, prevention and early intervention is better for young people, better for communities and better for the government's hip pocket.
Yet even after decades of government reports, reviews and reforms calling for greater investment, there has been little movement and funding continues to be crisis oriented rather than focusing on preventing the issue in the first case and intervening much earlier when an issue starts to arise.
The failure to grow investment in true prevention or early intervention only serves to increase children, young people and families who require intensive support, while at the same time undermines effective work already happening on the ground.
Youth Action in partnership with Fams and LSCA have done the groundwork to prepare the 2019 early intervention review paper 'The case for an effective prevention and early intervention approach' which fills the definitional gap and proposes a model for investment.
To read the 2019 review download the PDF.
