Young People to Speak Out in New Survey

Community organisation Mission Australia has launched its 2014 Youth Survey in a bid to capture the concerns and hopes of the country’s 15 to 19-year-olds.

The survey, considered the biggest annual poll of Australian youth, was launched this week to coincide National Youth Week.

Mission Australia Chief Executive Officer Catherine Yeomans said there had never been a more important time for the country to listen to the views of young Australians.

“Our youth are facing incredible challenges as they chart their way into adulthood,” Yeomans said.

“Youth unemployment is twice that of the general population, while home ownership among young Australians is at historic lows.

“While more young people are completing school, many are ill-prepared for the workforce and struggle to gain experience and get a break.

“Mental health and family conflicts are placing increasing pressures on young Australians at a crucial time in their lives.

“And with significant decisions pending on issues impacting on young people through the Commission of Audit and Federal Budget process, our youth are eager to speak out about the kind of nation they want for their future.

“Mission Australia’s annual youth survey has evolved into an agenda-setting piece of research; providing governments, policy makers and community organisations with valuable insight into the minds of young Australians.

“This year’s survey will provide a vital opportunity for our youth to share their views, and for the nation to listen.”

Yeomans said the 2014 survey included new focus questions that hone in on key issues such as employment and housing.

“Last year’s survey found young Australians were concerned about their chances of getting a job in their local community, as the economy and financial matters continued to weigh heavily on their minds,” she said.

“It was clear from the results that Australian youth are all too aware about the challenges that lie ahead of them as they make their way from school and further education into employment.

“In the 2014 survey, we want to better understand what young people believe will influence their careers and study opportunities, and how confident they are about achieving their goals.

“Given the nation’s growing housing affordability crisis, we have also introduced new focus questions to gain insight into the views of today’s youth on the importance of home ownership and whether they think it is achievable.

“If today’s leaders are to create a bright future for the next generation, we need to ask our youth for their ideas and to understand their concerns. By listening to the views of young Australians we can work with them to ensure a fairer Australia for generations to come.”

Last year’s poll revealed that young Aboriginal people felt more unsafe in their communities and were more likely to be concerned about the impact of alcohol, drugs and gambling than young non-Aboriginals.

Mission Australia’s 2014 Youth Survey is open to all Australian youth aged 15-19 years old. To take part in the survey, go to www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey.

The survey closes on July 20, with results to be analysed and released before the end of the year.