Young people in Goulburn, across the state and the country are facing the brunt of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As a general rule, we know the economic downturns make it harder for young people to find work, ensure their wellbeing and establish themselves in adulthood.
This past year, so many young Australians have endured a range of unique challenges of lockdowns and disruption to their lives.
But what I know from my work at Mission Australia is that young people are resilient and adaptable, and with the right support, they can and do thrive.
Today, Mission Australia will launch our 20th annual Youth Survey - the largest survey of its kind - to gauge the thoughts, concerns and aspirations of young people in our region, and across the country.
Our Youth Survey last year showed us that young Australians care deeply about a range of different issues.
They care about equity and discrimination and unfair treatment, they care about the pandemic's various impacts including on education and employment, and they know that mental health is a top national issue.
In 2020 for the first time, young people told us that equity and discrimination was the top national issue, rising from third place in 2019 to the top spot in 2020 - a staggering increase of more than 60 percent since the previous year.
They told us loud and clear that their own experience of injustices, alongside media coverage, public dialogue and grassroots movements such as Black Lives Matter, are affecting their thoughts about the state of Australia and the world around them.
Of course, we must acknowledge that the challenges of 2020 have greatly impacted the wellbeing of young people.
I was very concerned that last year's survey showed four in 10 young people felt stressed either all of the time or most of the time in 2020.
However, despite this, it was encouraging to see the majority of young people said they were confident in being able to achieve their work and study goals, and that many are happy about their lives, are aspirational about their futures and have good relationships with their families.
Young people have had a lot to deal with this past year and we know that we are not at the end of the tunnel.
Young people have had a lot to deal with this past year and we know that we are not at the end of the tunnel.
It sometimes felt like a decade worth of events have happened in one week.
The major changes in the economy, politics and society mean today's young people are living through a unique and challenging time in history.
That's why it's so important that young people are listened to and their views are heard, respected and taken into account.
Support and care for young people must be a top priority for our country's long-term pandemic recovery plan.
Young people must have meaningful opportunities, like our Youth Survey, to speak up and shape Australia's recovery.
The results of the Youth Survey also provide a resource for families and individuals to develop a picture of what our young people are thinking and experiencing. It can guide us on how to best support young people in our region and across Australia as they transition into adulthood.
I encourage any young person reading this or anyone who has a young person in their life to encourage them to participate in our Mission Australia's Youth Survey 2021.
It is open to all young people aged 15-19 years-old who are living in Australia until mid-August.
Check out Mission Australia's social media and our website for details. www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey
