Dusseldorp Skills Forum: Resource Details: 2004 Budget Proposal to the Commonwealth Government

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2004 Budget Proposal to the Commonwealth Government

THE PROPOSAL:
That the Commonwealth Government establish a comprehensive National Youth Transition Service over five years commencing with the 2004 Budget."

INTRODUCTION:
"The Inter-Generational Report [2002] has proved a timely wake-up call and a strong stimulant to public debate on the challenges we confront as a nation over the medium to long term.

Though Australia’s current levels of educational attainment, skills acquisition and youth employment provide a generally sound base, they fall well short of what is required to meet the levels of productivity and growth being demanded [by the findings of the Inter-Generational Report]. Moreover, as it stands, access to educational participation and decent work are unnecessarily limited for far too many young people. Limited opportunity is often exacerbated by lack of relevant information and support, financial insecurity and difficult personal circumstances.

While there has long been a commitment on paper to lifting active youth participation in education, training and/or employment to at least 90%, to actually do so would significantly enhance Australia’s economic performance in addition to any personal or social benefit. We can provide extensive research in support of this claim.

MEDIA:
$240M EXTRA AID URGED FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS: Australian Financial Review - 24 Feb 2004 - Page 3
"A coalition of welfare, employee and business lobbyists is asking the federal government to pledge an extra $240 million at the next budget to help school-leavers enter the workforce or complete their education. By Cherelle Murphy"