Although some young people may
have feelings of “disengagement from politics” (Liz Minchin 3/9/04) I believe that there are many
young people like myself who take a very active interest in party politics.
We have seen organizations
such as the United Nations Youth Association (UNYA) recently distribute a guide
for young people on what UNYA would like to see parties offer young people in
terms of Youth Representation. We have seen young people be pre-selected to run
for the Senate and we have seen young independents stand. Another example is the forum that took place between four young panelists,
including myself, and three politicians – The Hon. Chris Pyne, Sen. Bob
Brown and Sen. Jacinta Collins. These forums are vital for politicians to
engage with young people and for young people to discuss issues with
politicians. On this occasion it was a first time voters’ panel, but many
other occur throughout the year with young people and politicians (See http://www.nma.gov.au/schools/events_and_activities/talkback_classroom/
for more details)
The forum – hosted by
the National Museum of Australia – had all three politicians
looking nervous with Sen. Brown back flipping on his own refugee policy when it
appeared that refugees may be let into Australia before adequate security and
health checks had been completed under a Greens Government. While Sen. Collins
admitted that Labor’s actions towards refugees had been flawed in the
past, The Hon. Chris Pyne blamed the Australian Public Service for misleading
the PM and blamed their incompetence on previous Labor Governments.
Forums such as these show that young people not only take interest in party
politics but can take on politicians in a debate. For any politician to mistake
young people as apathetic is a huge mistake for there are many out there who
may hold the balance of power in marginal seats at the up coming election, if
only the majority of politicians reciprocated these feelings of interest!!!
The interview will be
broadcast on ABC Radio National on Monday September 6th on the life
matters program after 9am. (See http://www.nma.gov.au/schools/events_and_activities/talkback_classroom/
for more details)
Kind Regards,
Luke Bo'sher
President
Footprints Forever Inc.
0402-765-339
luke@footprintsforever.org.au
(National) Politic
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