The Ted Noffs Foundation, the largest drug treatment provider for young Australians, has welcomed the Federal Government’s Youth Taskforce Interim Report as a promising foundation to develop a policy framework and services that will meaningfully address the disadvantage facing Australia’s youth.
Mark Ferry, Chief Operating Officer at the Ted Noffs Foundation, says robust consultation with young people themselves is key to tackling widespread disadvantage and lack of opportunity that prevents many from leading fulfilling lives.
“It is vital that we recognise and prioritise the voices of young people as policymakers turn their minds to addressing the stark inequality,” says Mr Ferry.
The interim report released today flags mental health, difficulty navigating programs and services, and access to transport as prevailing issues raised in consultations with young people across Australia.
“Young people have been hit hardest by the economic crisis caused by Covid-19,” says Mr Ferry. “Even before the pandemic, young people were flagging their insecure work and lack of hours as a serious issue. Now we know they face an even more dire situation, with casual industries shedding thousands of jobs and a climbing unemployment rate.
“We need our governments to be thinking of the future, both of our young people and their place in our economy. When young people are unable to prosper, it hurts all of us.
“Well-funded public services across the board, from mental health support to public transport, are crucial to overcoming disadvantage. These are issues that governments can begin to address immediately, not only to address inequality but also to spur our economic recovery.
“The Ted Noffs Foundation looks forward to consulting with the Government to improve policies and services affecting young Australians to give them the tools they need to overcome disadvantage and thrive.”
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