The Scoop Newsletter
May 2016
YACSA Update Hello and welcome to edition # 8 of The Scoop Since the last edition, the federal budget has been released, the election has been confirmed for Saturday July 2 and the electoral roll has closed. We’re in the middle of the longest election campaign in Australian history – if you’re getting tired of the politicking, you’d better settle in because there’s plenty more to come. We’ve completed our analysis of the federal budget, including identifying the three issues we’ll be focusing on in the lead up to the election: the Youth Jobs PaTH Program, university fees and access to health. You can read all about them (and our take on additional budget measures) on our refreshed budget info and campaign hub; now a one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about the budget, the election and voting. We continued to support the Y Vote! campaign to encourage young people to enrol and we were happy to host Y Vote: Election Leadership training for young people on Saturday May 14. You can read all about that on pages 7 & 8. Our election postcard survey for young people aged 12-25 is still open, and we’ll be hosting a pre-election Pizza and Politics event on Monday June 6 – see page 7 for more info. If you have any questions or comments about any of that, email yacsa@yacsa. com.au.
contents YACSA Update
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Budget Breakdown
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The Safe Schools Program
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Sexual & Mental Health Under Attack
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Recognition in SA
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Young Member Update
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Y Vote Election Training
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Handy Hansard
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Opportunities
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Cheers Anne
The Scoop May 2016
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Budget Breakdown On May 3, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his Treasurer, Scott Morrison, announced their first federal budget since taking office. While it is nowhere near as controversial as previous budgets (being announced just two months before the election), there are still some worrying issues for young people within the budget papers. YACSA has chosen three areas to focus on: the youth jobs PaTH program, university funding cuts and access to health. Youth Jobs PaTH Program The government has announced that the $752 million PaTH scheme will roll out from April 2017 and run for three years. The PaTH program is comprised of three stages, including a preemployment skills training program, an internship placement and a youth bonus wage subsidy. The program is linked to the Work for the Dole program and will have compulsory elements for all long term unemployed people under the age of 25. The government has reported that the program will be flexible and tailored to individual needs, strengths and experiences. YACSA believes that the program could lead to exploitation and the displacement of actual paid work. YACSA is greatly concerned that the context of Australia’s current weak employment market is not being acknowledged. Once again, young people are being blamed for not being able to achieve paid work in this poor economic environment.
University Funding Cuts The federal government has shelved its policy on the deregulation of university fees. However, the government still plans on cutting $2 billion dollars’ worth of funding to the sector. Other higher education programs have also been defunded by the government in this budget, such as a pathways program for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend university. Government has suggested the shortfall for universities could be replaced with increasing the student payment burden from 40% to 50% and decreasing the threshold to repay HECS/HELP. A consultation and review will be completed by the end of this year and changes will roll out by January 2018. How will these changes impact on access to higher education by all young people, including those from low socio-economic backgrounds?
Access to Health The government has announced a freeze on Medicare rebates, the cessation of rebates for some diagnostic services and an increase to the price of subsidised PBS medication. This will undoubtedly increase the costs of health care for many South Australians and will have a significant impact on households that are struggling to make ends meet. This includes young people who are on limited or no income. Increases to the costs of visiting a doctor will result in further financial hardship for young people. YACSA fears that some young people will have to sacrifice essential living expenses such as food, rent or transport in order to see a doctor. With the changes likely to increase the costs involved in preventative health care, diagnostics, and treatments, what impact will such changes have on the long term health of young people if they are not accessing health services when they need them?
You can find the complete factsheets on these key issues on our newly rebranded Young People and Politics site, along with further information about proposed cuts and actions you can take to voice your opinion on the budget.
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You may have seen some controversy in the news recently about the Safe Schools Program, an anti-bullying campaign that supports LGBTQI+ people in schools around the country. You can find a recap of the issue below, along with a statement from the South Australian branch of the Safe Schools Program, run out of ShineSA.
The Safe Schools Program What’s it all about? The Safe Schools Coalition was funded by the Labor government in 2013 as part of a Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) initiative aiming to foster safe and inclusive school environments for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, staff and families. Since that time, over 500 schools have signed up and become member schools. Being a member school is basically a public statement of intent to become safer and more inclusive for LGBTQI+ people. Safe Schools Coalition provides schools with much needed access to a range of free resources and support.
What went down in March? In March, the Australian Christian Lobby and conservative members of the Liberal
party called for a review of the program, arguing that it presented children with age-inappropriate information and was “indoctrinating” young people. PM Turnbull agreed to the review, despite stern criticism from the opposition that he was caving to the demands of the far-right of his party. The review, conducted by Professor Bill Louden, found that the Safe Schools content was “consistent with the aims of the programme and the Australian Curriculum, suitable, educationally sound and ageappropriate”. However, changes to the initiative have been proposed, including requiring governing council agreement to become a member school, removing activities from the optional curriculum and limiting information provided to government-approved websites and resources. George Christensen, one of Safe School’s detractors, said such changes would “gut” the program. The Scoop May 2016
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What can I do? There are several ways that you can express your opinion about the proposed changes to the Safe Schools program:
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You can join in online, by showing your support on social media or signing a petition. Go along to a local rally or protest to add your body to the huge numbers of people who think this program is worthwhile. Contact your state and/or federal parliamentary representative. While it is the federal government’s decision to discontinue funding, some states (Victoria and the ACT) have declared that they will fund the program regardless of the federal cuts. You could write a letter or call your local representative – check out our website for some advocacy tips, or YACVic (our sister peak in Victoria) have prepared a great guide for how to approach members of parliament on this issue.
Statement from Safe Schools – Natalya Giffney, Safe Schools Coalition SA, SHine SA Safe Schools Coalition SA provides a much needed service to schools who want to become safer and more inclusive for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, staff and families. Safe Schools Coalition SA provides workshops for school staff, guides (eg Guide to Kick Starting Your Safe School), posters and optional teaching resources. We help schools to review their bullying and harassment policies to include discrimination based on
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sexual orientation, intersex status and gender identity, and encourage schools to make sure their whole school community is aware of the policy update and the school’s values on homophobia and transphobia. We also assist schools to support students to affirm their true gender identity at school. Safe Schools Coalition Australia was created to give teachers and schools resources to reduce high levels of discrimination facing same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse people in Australian schools. Homophobic language and behaviour is commonplace and many students report not receiving lessons that include gender diversity or sexual diversity. The Australian Curriculum requires schools to “affirm diversity in relation to sexuality and gender” and duty of care policies require teachers to challenge all forms of homophobia and transphobia. The support of Safe Schools Coalition aims to help schools and teachers to meet these requirements. Many schools have been doing great work in this space for years. For these schools, becoming a member school acknowledges the commitment to safety and inclusivity they have already made. Students often play a key role in creating positive change. Many schools have safe space groups that have been started by students and who often take the lead in planning and running celebration days such as International Day Against Homophobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOT) and Wear It Purple Day. If you are a student and think your school needs to be safer and more inclusive, speak to a teacher and let them know about the support available through Safe Schools Coalition SA. “I’m really excited about all the action that’s being taken and can’t wait to start seeing these things being implemented. I had been feeling kind of lonely, hopeless and isolated for what feels like a lifetime, to have the school take this step and to be a part of it means the world to me.” – SA year 10 Student
Young People’s Sexual & Mental Health Under Attack Funding cuts have affected mental health services in Australia, as youth mental health programs across the country face losing 75% of their funding over the next two years. These cuts will impact greatly upon the reach of the services provided by Headspace and the Youth Psychosis program. With young people 16 - 24 demonstrating the highest prevalence for mental health disorders, services that are available to identify and treat early mental health issues is vital in the long term prevention and treatment of mental illness.
Along with the proposed changes to the Safe Schools Program, another key national organisation in the sexual health space has recently been defunded. YEAH (Youth Empowerment Against HIV/AIDS) was told in April that it would not be funded past June 30, 2016. YACSA spoke to YEAH about the work that they do and the effect that these cuts will have on organisations like them.
What does YEAH do?
YEAH is Australia’s only national youth led sexual health promotion organisation. After 11 years of operation and seven years of consecutive Federal funding, the government has announced that it will not be funding YEAH’s activities beyond June 30.
Why is it an important service?
Over 75% of all STIs in Australia occur amongst young people, and there is a trend of condom use declining. With young people carrying the brunt of this burden, YEAH was set up to empower young people to lead a positive change in sexual health education. In 2015, YEAH reached more than 10,000 young people directly though sexual health workshops and information events in schools, universities and youth organisations delivered by young leaders in their local communities. In addition, YEAH engaged with more than 900,000 people through a range of online education and communication channels.
What impact will government defunding have on your organisation? The minimal Commonwealth investment of $457,000 p/a to YEAH provides substantial return through national impact on the health and wellbeing of young Australians.
For this minimal investment YEAH is able to operate teams in five states and territories which deliver comprehensive sexual health workshops, and develop and produce resources like the recent Ins and Outs of Sexual Health. If the Federal Government does not reverse this decision, or we are unable to secure funding from another source, YEAH will be forced to close its doors.
Why now, do you think?
The decision to defund YEAH has come as part of the significant cuts to the health portfoilo’s Flexible Funds.
What can people do to help?
There are a number of ways people can get involved: • Head to www.yeah.org.au to join the fight to #saveYEAH • Sign the Change.org petition • Email the Health Minister directly • Add a #saveYEAH badge to social media profiles • Share, print, and post the #saveYEAH flyer around their universities, community groups, schools, sexual health clinics, and notice boards. • Use the #saveYEAH hashtag on social media, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram The Scoop May 2016
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Recognition in SA On April 12 and 13, Recognise Youth hosted a two day workshop on constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. One of the participants, Rebekka, has written about her experiences. RECOGNISE Youth Network Workshop brought together young South Australian Youth Reps who wanted to find out more about their role in the RECOGNISE campaign towards constitutional recognition. The workshop began with the Youth Reps getting to know each other and feeling relaxed in a group of new peers. The RECOGNISE Coordinators facilitated a series of icebreaker games, essentially creating an environment where everyone felt comfortable with each other. One of the Coordinators put up a sheet of paper on the wall with what I like to call “a list of RECOGNISE basic facts, terminology and must-knows,” and asked us to mark on a number scale how comfortable we were with explaining these facts. Most of the Youth Reps marked low on the scale, around the two and three range, with the occasional six or seven. Over two days of the workshop, we learnt about the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and political movements towards recognition, including the 1967 Referendum. The Coordinators explained the current referendum process, key elements of the public debate and the model RECOGNISE wants to use in the actual referendum. We looked at diverse opinions in this conversation and spent time considering each. It was a jam-packed two days with many activities and lessons, including: • A UN simulation, incorporating previous activities we had done, allowing us to reflect on the complexity of such an issue. • A significant point we focused on in this workshop is why young people are crucial to this campaign, as the people who will inherit the possible changes of the referendum, it’s crucial that we have our say on this important issue. • We met with Tanya Hosch, Joint Campaign Director of RECOGNISE and Mark Waters from Reconciliation SA. • We took part on a cultural walking tour of the Kaurna people, led by Margaret Brodie who shared not only the stories of the Kaurna people, but the more personal stories of her family. She told us of the belittlement, suffering and disadvantage inflicted on her people, and the strength and leadership they have shown despite this hardship.
This workshop was an excellent chance to hear from young people, to educate people on very real issues, and for us all to share ideas on how to include more young voices in the national conversation about constitutional recognition. It was essential for giving not only us, but young Australians in general, the information and resources we need to feel confident in our position as advocates for the RECOGNISE Campaign. The workshop helped us gain confidence in carrying out conversations nationwide with openness to multiple perspectives. On the last day of the workshop, we were asked to look back on the list of RECOGNISE basic facts, and mark where now we felt comfortable, after two days of intensive training. As expected, all of our marks moved up on the number scale meaning we all felt tremendously more confident by the end of the workshop. I learnt so much over these two days, and am excited to continue advocating for a campaign which means so much to me. YACSA would like to acknowledge that constitutional recognition is not necessarily a concensus within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with some people calling for a treaty instead. It’s an important conversation to be a part of, so we would encourage you to listen to and respect the opinions of your ATSI friends, colleagues and family.
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The Scoop May 2016
Young Member Update A group of YACSA’s young members have started meeting monthly to more directly contribute to the work that we do. We’ll provide a brief rundown of what they discuss in their meetings and if it sounds like something you’d be interested in coming along to, get in touch with Kristy at kristy@yacsa.com.au. Federal election campaign
The federal election issues survey asking young people “what issues will influence your vote?” has been open since April 14 and we’ve been spruiking it via social media and network meetings. The survey will stay open until a couple of weeks before the election, so get on it if you haven’t completed it already. Currently the top three issues are: 1. Marriage Equality, 2. Unemployment, 3. Higher Education.
Pizza and Politics
We’ve had several requests to host a pre-election Pizza and Politics event, so it’s on! We’ve lined up Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP, ALP Shadow Assistant Minister for Higher Ed, to answer all your party policy-related election 2016 questions. We’ll host a consultation and use the info to create a handy factsheet on what each party thinks about the issues that are important to young people. We’ve filled our quota already, but you can email yacsa@yacsa.com.au to get on a waiting list, or send us a question to ask on your behalf. Follow along at home on Twitter, using #pizzapol16.
Y Vote
Y Vote proposed running election leadership training (with support from YACSA) for young people. The aim of the training was to build critical leadership and community organising skills to empower young people to make their voices heard this election. See some pics from the training on the next page!
Connected to YOUth – 2016 Youth Strategy for South Australia
It was agreed that young members will each individually review the Connected to YOUth – 2016 Youth Strategy for South Australia and identify five key points by the next meeting. Things to consider: What do you think about what is proposed? How do you want government to address youth engagement, transition from education to employment, unemployment, homelessness and family violence? What would you like to see happen? We’d love to hear your perspectives on this document too, so if you’ve got something to tell us, shoot us an email at yacsa@yacsa.com.au.
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Y Vote Election Leadership Training 14 May 2016
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Handy Hansard Hansard is the official report of the debates and proceedings of the SA parliament. We like it because we can see who’s been saying what about youth affairs and young people. You can access it yourself and search for terms, but we look at it regularly so we will provide a snapshot for you in this section of the newsletter. During May, many different topics were discussed across both Houses. Below are snippets from some conversations that concern young people, from all sides of parliament. Click the header information to read the full transcripts. Responding to the federal budget House of Assembly, May 26 Mr Gee (Member for Napier): Young people should be offered real opportunities, not internships that have no ongoing prospect of future employment. We need a federal government that will fund quality education and training, with support for the wellbeing of young people. It is disgraceful that the federal Liberal government is cutting funding to mental health services in general, and specifically the headspace Youth Early Psychosis Program. It is essential that we provide good mental health care for our young people, with almost one-quarter of our young people now experiencing a mental health condition.
Legislative Council, May 18
On the brain drain and unemployment in SA House of Assembly, May 13 Mr Bell (Minister for Mt Gambier): I have spoken in this place before about what has been occurring in the bush and in regional areas will soon be felt by those in metropolitan Adelaide; that is, lack of job opportunities which will lead to young people moving out of South Australia. In the bush they move to the big city or the big smoke and take up opportunities there. When there are no opportunities in the city they will move out of the state. What is quite frightening is that only 58 per cent of the population in South Australia is actually employed. This leaves fewer and fewer people providing for more and more.
The Hon K.L. Vincent: I am often frustrated when I hear children and young people described with terminology such as ‘future leaders’. It may well be true that they are learning how to become informed and assertive leaders in their future, but I think being a true leader means that you are always learning. Of course, it is important that we talk about what the future may hold for children and young people, but sometimes I think we do this to the detriment of actually talking about the present. Often we talk about children and young people being future citizens and future leaders, and I think that dismisses the role that they have to play now and the people who they already are. Although they may or may not be able to fully explain or understand it in the way that we might as adults, children and young people are still experts in their present, expert in their own feelings, and they are incredibly insightful about this and incredibly intuitive. In many ways, we as a parliament can demonstrate that respect to children and young people through changes in legislation and policy such as the Disability Justice Plan, making it easier for children in court, and also, of course, by continuing our long journey toward a state children’s commissioner. We also, I would argue, do not need legislation to start respecting people, validating their experiences and realising that they are the experts in what they are experiencing, the experts in their own lives, and that with the right support every person is able to work through that experience, whatever it may be.
Mr Bell (cont): I hold very grave fears for ... the young people of South Australia because, quite frankly, those who are leaving South Australia are the exact ones we need to remain in or come back to South Australia. Yet, over the last 10 years we have had a net exodus of 3,000 people per year leaving this state. Quite often they are the ones who have the exact skills that we need. Once they have left some come back in their mid 40s, early 50s, normally to care for an aging parent, and are quite dismayed at the lack of job opportunities and the fact that they are actually over-skilled for many of the jobs here in South Australia.
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Opportunities You’re Accepted Minus 18 have created a new online tool for young people to come out to their friends and family, You’re Accepted. You can ask for support anonymously and find out how others respond so you know who are the safe people to come out to. Check it out and tell your mates!
Election Forum - What About the Unemployed? Restless ATSI Masterclass Restless Dance Theatre is creating an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) young people with disability to participate in the company’s programs via an ATSI masterclass series.
A forum for unemployed people or those on welfare payments to speak about what they want from the election and beyond. Date: Saturday 18 June, 2:30pm Location: Uniting Communities Smithfield, 2/2B Morialta Drive Visit the Facebook page for more information.
For more information, visit the Restless Dance Theatre’s website.
Sexual Health and Youth Peer Education (SHAYPE) Training Young people completing this program will attain: • Knowledge and skills around sexual health • Confidence and leadership skills • A certificate of attendance for their resume Contact: Naomi Hutchings, Coordinator of Youth Worker Education naomi.hutchings@shinesa.org.au or 8300 5324
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Career Development Fellowships Open The new annual Carclew career development Fellowship Program allows artists or arts workers aged 26 years and under to pitch a professional development proposal. Applications are currently open and close on 15 July 2016. For more information visit the Carclew website.
Do you want to see your opportunity for young people here, or do you have an idea for content you’d like to see in The Scoop? Get in touch with us at scoop@yacsa.com.au.
Opportunities Life Links Aged 16 - 25 and interested in getting some support around life’s more practical tasks like Centrelink, MyGov, legal aid and more? Join us on Fridays – check out the schedule and see what interests you.
Federal Election Survey Are you between 12 and 25? YACSA want to hear about the issues that are important to you at the coming election. Fill in our quick survey to let us know what you care about.
Young Social Pioneers Program The Foundation for Young Australians has $50,000 to fund 50 emerging social innovators, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and changemakers aged 18-29 years. For more information and to apply, check their website.
City of Marion Youth Grants National Youth Week SA Young Member 2017 The Office for Youth is seeking a young person aged 18 – 25 to represent South Australia at a state level for National Youth Week 2017. You will play an important role in the planning, promotion, implementation and evaluation of National Youth Week. To apply, you need to complete the online application form. Nominations close at 6.30pm on Friday 10 June 2016. If you have any questions please call Kylie Maglica at the Office for Youth on (08) 8415 4327 or email kylie.maglica@dcsi.sa.gov.au
What’s your idea for making a difference? Voice your thoughts, create your project and do it! The Youth Grants Program can provide funding to help make your idea a reality. It is a new initiative for the City of Marion and encourages community groups, organisations and young people aged 12-25 to set up and undertake projects of activities that aim to achieve positive outcomes in the local community. More information here. The Scoop May 2016
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Opportunities
Access Uni
Multicultural Women’s Program
Have you ever considered studying at university or TAFE? Are you unsure of the options available?
Are you interested in studying at university or TAFE? Would you like to focus on English skills and complete a FREE course at the same time?
Flinders University, in partnership with TAFE SA and Community Centres SA are offering Access Uni, a FREE course for participants to obtain a Certificate III in General Education for Adults. Please attend an information session to learn more. Hackham West Community Centre Majorca Road, Hackham West Thursday 9 June 2016 at 12 noon and Thursday 21 June 2016 at 10 AM Morella Community Centre 90 Kings Road, Parafield Gardens Wednesday 8 June 2016 at 10 AM and Thursday 23 June 2016 at 10AM
We are offering a dedicated course for multicultural women at the WEA Centre. TAFE SA will be teaching a Certificate IV in English Proficiency. The course will be run over 4 days a week, for 18 weeks. Case Workers will help you to plan your study goals. This is a great opportunity to be supported while you learn in a friendly and small group environment. To find out more about the program please attend one of the Information Sessions. WEA South Australia 223 Angas Street, Adelaide Friday 10 June at 10AM and Friday 24 June 2016 at 10AM
To register, or for more information please contact Jane Brzezinski, Adult Learner Pathways Project Officer, Flinders University 8201 7881 jane.brzezinski@flinders.edu.au
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Do you want to see your opportunity for young people here, or do you have an idea for content you’d like to see in The Scoop? Get in touch with us at scoop@yacsa.com.au.