The Scoop June 2016 by YACSA

The Scoop Newsletter

June 2016

YACSA Update Hello and welcome to edition #9 of The Scoop

contents

Can you believe the election is this week? It’s been a long campaign and as we count down to the big day, it’s still all go at YACSA HQ.

YACSA Update

Pizza & Politics Pre-election Forum

What Are You Voting For?

2016 Election Report Card

Our election post-card survey has closed (thanks to everyone who responded!) and we’ve used the results to compare the policy positions of the parties to the top 5 issues identified and created a handy report card. Each party has been given a tick, a cross, or a question mark depending on whether they have a clear policy, no policy, or something that sort of resembles a policy on each of the issues. We’ve also created a more comprehensive factsheet for each party on all ten election survey issues, complete with clickable links in case you’re thirsty for more info. Not enough? Head on over to Y Vote! for a run down on a range of issues or to “ask a nerd” an election-related question. If you just need a laugh in the lead up check out Donkey Votie or this Know Your Parties blog or maybe even this map of polling places that have sausage sizzles (apologies to the vegans and vegetarians reading this – avail yourselves of onion and bread instead). #ausvotes

Ch-Ch-Changes (to the Voting System

Opportunities

If it’s your first time voting, the Australian Electoral Commission can tell you everything you need to know about the process from start to finish. We’ll have a wrap up of the election and what it means for young people in the next issue of The Scoop. Happy voting!

Cheers Anne The Scoop June 2016

Pizza and Politics Pre-Election Forum On June 6, YACSA held our biggest Pizza and Politics yet! Over 50 young people in the room with two pollies and a whole lot of pizza? That’s a recipe for a party-sized evening. Below you’ll find the questions that were asked on the night, along with summaries of the answers from Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Shadow Minister for Education. How do young people get into politics? Get involved in parties? Sarah Hanson-Young (SHY): Variety of ways to get involved, not just at a party level. NGOs, interest groups, lobbyists. Local engagement from community groups, like YACSA can help if you want to be involved in changing the way a particular law works. Choose a party that represents your values, parties are relatively friendly with each other, particularly in the senate, as we have to find common points or similarities with other senators. There’s no point getting into politics for politics sake, be passionate about the values and issues being talked about. Wouldn’t want people to choose Greens ‘just because’. Amanda Rishworth (ARW): You can be politically active in various ways. I was passionate about many issues, which is why I joined Labor. I don’t necessarily agree with all of ALP policy but this party is most closely aligned with my opinions. Not just for Labor party MPs but there are other ways of being involved. For example, a rank and file member can choose local members etc.

How can youth influence policy? SHY: The youth vote has not been courted by the two major parties. Significant issues that some politicians aren’t discussing but some are, this is the moment to start saying to all candidates: what is your position on global warming, refugees, higher education, employment? The Liberals are going into this election without a higher education policy.

The Scoop June 2016

ARW: At election time, but also outside of it, go and meet with your local MP. I engage in communities at street level all the time. As an individual, go seek out MPs in community events, roundtables. Also get involved as a collective, ie petitions. There is the assumption that there is a barrier, but you have power with your vote.

With the emergence of climate science indicating the last ten years has been most destructive,and last ten years being so politically turbulent ... When will major parties and Greens work together to create proper policy and strategies on climate change? ARW: Kevin Rudd attempted an emissions trading scheme, and the hung parliament attempted a carbon tax, both of which were destroyed by Liberal party propaganda. We need to keep the pressure on action towards climate change. We didn’t take people with us in the first instance, which is part of why it failed. It was bipartisan in 2007 for the Emissions Trading Scheme but bipartisan support is not necessarily a precursor for change. Changing of guard within parliament will help, with predominant age groups changing. SHY: The idea of expecting long term vision from politicians is largely prevalent among young voters. The way our political system is structured means that parties are stuck in three year election cycles in terms of mindset. Leaders need to think more longterm. Science demands action on climate change. Europe, even China are taking serious action – China is shutting down five coal plants a week. We’re not taking much responsibility in our region. What Australia does when it comes to coal is going to be big sleeper issue with the coal price dropping, investors receding, banks not putting up money. Coal has a big impact on environment and we have to move away from coal as energy source.

I’m a young woman who has lived with arthritis all my life, and I have noticed through this whole election campaign no policy or discussion for people with disabilities about supporting them and their families. As well, I am a young business owner, are there any policies or strategies promoting young people getting into small business and entrepreneurship? ARW: We are moving towards the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as our large policy platform for disabilities. It’s bipartisan in nature, and we need to commit to this scheme. States that don’t qualify for NDIS needs service support still; there are unmet needs in NSW where we will need to support families and carers. We have announced start up scholarships, with the idea that you can stay at uni and develop a business plan. We have also proposed a smart investment fund, to support start up’s access to capital and loans. SHY: Greens want to fund the gap missing from Gonski funding to help kids with disability thrive at school. Being upfront about where the gaps are, and working out ways to catch them. People in vulnerable groups being caught between policy. The Greens are concerned that money from tax cuts will go towards big businesses – the Commonwealth Bank doesn’t need a tax break from the tax payer. Businesses which are struggling need more support.

There is a view that huge multinational corporations are taking over, Australia has been led into globalisation, monopolisation. Australia can be self sufficient. Will either party put up bills to stop monopolisation? SHY: Corporates have significant power in policy formation, with lobbyists wandering around parliament touting coal, big banks, Subway, 7/11. Rarely do you see people from the community sector or environmental lobbyists. Donations are a big part of it. The Greens want donations banned from gambling, drinking and smoking The Scoop June 2016

industries. There is also the issue of multinational tax avoidance, where most money made in Australia is sent or hidden offshore. There is consensus among parliament that we need to tighten up on tax avoidance. It is important to look at the cost benefits of free trade agreements – the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is not great for Australia. More scrutiny is needed on trade agreements. ARW: Australia should always welcome others. We have a long history of being involved in multilateral global institutions, we shouldn’t close those out and Australia has always batted above its weight. We do need to look at standards, such as in the steel industry. We need a fair playing field, eg. multinational taxes, wage parity. A supermarket can come in and breed anticompetitive markets but competition is still needed.

What are your views on youth unemployment, and where do you see small business in relation to that? ARW: We need to support young people with their creative thinking during their time at school to promote entrepreneurs. Need programs to stop disengagement among young people, eg. lead young people back into vocational studies, employment. The PaTH program is not good. SHY: The Greens agree the PaTH program is bad. Could result in almost slave labour amongst young people. We’re being told it’s okay to spend 50 billion dollars to build submarines, while we’re also being told the 50 billion dollar tax cut should have a trickle down effect for the nation so people will get employed. Where is direct funding in health and education in this state? We need more service jobs.

Who are your political inspirations? ARW: I have a lot of respect for Barack Obama. He has been trialled under difficult circumstances, but has had big wins. There is a sense he hasn’t achieved what he wanted but he has battled on regardless. SHY: My political hero has always been Bob Brown. He has one of the most brilliant political minds, is compassionate and humble. Taught me the value of actually listening.

What do you think the barriers are towards women wanting to get into parliament or leadership in general? ARW: Arranging child care is still assumed to be the domain of women’s responsibility. The women balance the child care and work arrangements. That is a big barrier.

The Scoop June 2016

There are still a lot of stereotypes for women. The abuse female politicians get online and on Twitter is huge, and horrific, compared to males. This is a deterrent for females. It’s not all about their gender but gender still has a lot to do with it. Culture change is needed as well as policy changes. SHY: Politics has traditionally been an adversarial environment. The Senate is better, as we are forced to cooperate. However, some colleagues still hold antiquated views. Politics still a boys club, not just within parliament but also in the press club. There are differences in responding to a female journalist as opposed to a male. Parliament is not family friendly, as you are far from family, working long and unusual hours. It’s not easy for women and men with young children. Parliament also sits during school holidays. Attitudes online are terrible – in a lot of ways, you have to laugh it off but it exposes something sinister. I can’t even imagine what it would be like for a woman of colour.

And that was all we had time for! Thanks so much to Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Shadow Minister for Education for joining us, as well as representatives from Y Vote! and Oaktree who gave quick presentations on their youth led organisations. Most of all, thanks to all the young people who came out on a cold night. If you want more (!), have a look at our #pizzapol Storify or hear from some of the people who didn’t get a chance to ask a question on the Small Change podcast.

The Scoop June 2016

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The Scoop June 2016

What are you voting for this election? YACSA has been running a survey during this (epic!) election campaign to find out which issues will determine young people’s votes this election. Below are the rankings of the most important issues, along with the major parties’ policies on the top five to help you decide which party best represents your interests. For more information, check out our party factsheets covering all ten issues, or YVote’s policy guides. 1

Marriage equality

Unemployment

Higher education

Climate change/environment

Health funding

Cost of living

Asylum seeker/refugee policy

Funding/support for safe schools

Penalty rates/workplace laws

10 Government income support

1. Marriage equality Coalition The Coalition government has traditionally been opposed to marriage equality. However, Prime Minister Turnbull has stated that if his party is to win, a national plebiscite will determine whether Australia undertakes marriage reform.

Labor Officially, Labor opposes the idea of a plebiscite and has promised to legislate for marriage equality within 100 days of being elected. The party is not unanimous in its support of marriage equality, with members being allowed a conscience vote until 2019.

Greens The Greens have unanimously supported marriage equality for over a decade. They also oppose a plebiscite and aim to pass a Private Members Bill to allow LGBTIQ couples to marry, as well as recognising existing unions.

2. Unemployment Coalition The mainstay of the Coalition ‘jobs and growth’ policy for unemployment centres on tax cuts for businesses which will translate into job creation. They have also proposed an internship scheme for young jobseekers as part of their Youth Employment Package.

Labor Labor has announced several policies geared towards increasing employment: an apprenticeships quota, scholarships and grants for start-ups, as well as also proposing a tax cut for businesses – but only after they give jobs to disadvantaged workers.

Greens The Greens have also announced several measures to encourage small businesses, as well as investing in STEM skills in schools. Investment in scientific research is a big part of their plan to boost jobs, aiming to lift Australia’s investment to 4% of GDP by 2030. The Scoop June 2016

3. Higher education

4. Climate change/environment

Coalition

The May 2016 budget included $2 billion in cuts to university funding, however, it seems that full deregulation of fees is off the table. Partial fee deregulation may still be an option, for both universities and TAFE. The Coalition has not yet released its complete higher education policy.

The Coalition has pledged to transition to 23% renewable energy by 2030. This will be rolled out by encouraging businesses to reduce emissions, investing in large scale clean energy projects, and the National Energy Productivity Plan.

Labor

By 2030, Labor has set a 50% renewable energy target. They have pledged $500 million to protecting the Great Barrier Reef, $380 million more than the Coalition’s current spend.

Labor’s Student Funding Guarantee would give $4 billion to universities over four years (offset to cost $2.5 billion total). They also aim to curb the drop-out rate from university. TAFE funding would be separate from other private vocational providers and guaranteed at least 70% of government funding to the sector.

Greens Free higher education for all Australian students has long been part of the Greens’ policy platform. Students would be supported to study with a living allowance.

Labor

Greens Founded on a platform of environmental responsibility and sustainability, the Greens have set a renewable energy target of 90% by 2030. They would seek to end our reliance on fossil fuels by transitioning to a clean energy economy.

5. Health funding Coalition The Coalition has come under fire for suggesting that Medicare rebates remain frozen until 2020. While this would not affect GP costs directly, doctors’ relative earnings would decrease over time and they may choose to pass this on to patients. New charges for some diagnostic tests and increases to PBS medicines may also hit the consumer pocket.

Labor Labor aims to reverse cuts made in the 2014 Budget by giving an extra $2 billion to the hospital sector over four years. Bill Shorten has also pledged to oppose the “creeping Americanisation” of our healthcare system, by legislating Medicare’s status as a public body.

Greens Greens leader, Richard di Natale, has called for the scrapping of the private health care rebate, which would cost $10 billion over the next four years. The Greens would reinvest that money in the public healthcare system.

The Scoop June 2016

Election 2016 Report Card Need a visual guide? Here is a summary of which parties have clearly stated policies on the most important issues to young people (as voted in our pre-election survey). For more information on each party’s policy, read up on our factsheets. The party has a clear policy statement/plan on their website.

The party has no clear policy statement/plan on their website.

There is a statement in their platform or on their website that is tenuously connected to the issues identified by young people.

Want to know where the political parties stand in relation to the issues that are important to young people? We have used the results of our preelection survey to compare to the policy positions of the major parties to see where they stand on the top five issues for young people in South Australia.

Australian Greens

Labor Party

The Liberal Party/Coalition

Xenophon Team

Family First

Marriage equality Does the party support the equal access to marriage for all citizen’s regardless of gender?

Unemployment Does the party have a meaningful and effective plan to increase employment opportunities for young people particularly in rural and remote areas?

Higher education Does the party support the university sector ensuring that university is affordable and accessible to all young people?

Climate change/environment Does the party have a plan to reduce harmful emissions and increase the use of renewable energy?

Health funding Does the party have a policy that ensures access to affordable health services for the disadvantaged and vulnerable, particularly young people.

Keeping in touch Authorised by A Bainbridge, Lvl 4, 182 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA 5000 Youth Affairs Council of South Australia Inc. GPO Box 2117 ADELAIDE SA 5001

T 08 8211 7546 F 08 8211 6653 E yacsa@yacsa.com.au

/YouthAffairsCouncilofSA

@teamYACSA

teamyacsa

Youth Affairs Council of SA

The Scoop June 2016

Ch-Ch-Changes (to the voting system) You may have heard that voting is a little different this federal election. Whether you’re voting for the first time or you’re an old pro at the polls, you’ll need to pay attention to make sure your vote counts this year.

What’s new? New Senate voting rules mean that you have more say over where your vote goes (if this is gibberish, read up on Australia’s preferential voting system - it’s pretty cool!). On the Senate (white paper voting slip), you have the choice to vote above the line (for different political parties as a whole) or below the line (for individuals within those parties). So far, so normal. But this year, you can stop at numbering six parties above the line, or 12 individuals below. Previously, you could only put one choice above the line, or if voting below, had to number every box. So, TL;DR: Above the line, number at least six boxes from one to six.

Below the line, number at least 12 boxes from one to 12.

Check the AEC website for more information on the Senate voting changes.

What about the House of Representatives? No changes here! As always, on the green paper, you number each individual candidate in the order that you choose. You must fill in all the boxes with a sequential number for your vote to be counted.

If you want to know more (or have a good chuckle), get some tips from our pal Dennis the Election Koala.

10The Scoop June 2016

Opportunities SHE Leads Conference Friday 26th August SHE Leads is a full day of inspiration and invigoration aimed at defining and debating women’s leadership and empowering the next generation of female leaders. With high profile keynote speakers, skills-building breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, the SHE Leads Conference is an event not to miss. Click here for more information or to book your ticket.

School Holiday Programs at Base 10 Base 10 Youth Centre is offering a diverse range of holiday programs throughout July. From Theatre Sports to DJing, cooking to photography, come along to learn a new skill and meet new people. Read more on our website.

Green Army Join the Green Army with Conservation Volunteers Australia. Are you aged between 17 and 25, an Australian citizen or permanent resident and would like to be a part of a team that will make a REAL difference to the environment in your local community? Would you like a paid allowance while gaining skills, training and experience that can help you enter workforce, improve your career opportunities or further your education and training? A new Green Army project in South Australia is looking for recruits to start on 4 July. For more information head to the Green Army website or download this flyer.

ARA School Holiday Activities Register for the Australian Refugee Association’s upcoming school holiday programs, including cooking classes and netball training. Find out more here.

Volunteer Scholarships for young South Australians The Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) is calling for applications for the Youth Volunteer Scholarship Awards, which recognise the time and energies of young people who volunteer in the community. Successful applicants will receive up to $3,000 towards the cost of course fees or textbooks for courses at university, TAFE or a registered vocational college. Application close: 5pm, Friday 22 July 2016 For more information, please contact us. 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.

The Scoop June 2016

Opportunities

N3xtGen Unleashed Competition Are you aged between 13-18? Interested in technology? Are you creative, smart and enjoy a challenge? Want to win great prizes? Free on the weekend of 29-31 July? Join the N3xtGen Unleashed competition! Seaford Library Grand Boulevard, Seaford For more information or to register your interest: phone 8384 0044, find us online or on Facebook.

Intersectional Diversity: CALD and LGBTIQ Friday 15 July, 1:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:30pm SHine SA is hosting a ReFRESH Forum on intersectional diversity to explore the issues faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people who also identify as LGBTIQ. Click here to register.

Jibba Jabba Ezine The latest edition of the Jibba Jabba Ezine, featuring heaps of activities for young people living in the Salisbury, TTG, Playford and Gawler council areas, is now available. Check it out here.

12The Scoop June 2016