The Greens: Charmian Eckersley

Policy Implementation Focusing on Good Outcomes for Young People.

Charmian Eckersley, The Greens candidate for Newcastle in the House of Representatives.

Too often young people are spoken about by the media and politicians in a negative way, as if they are a problem that needs solving.

Instead our leaders should be more concerned with what kind of society they are leaving to the next generation and generations to come. The Greens recognise the enormously varied contribution youth culture is making to society.

Many young people – unsurprisingly - have a healthy cynicism of politics and the major parties and are increasingly turning to the Greens.

The Green Party is committed to abolishing HECS and providing free tertiary education.  Independent research shows this would cost around $2.5 billion dollars – a pittance given the potential benefits, and compared to the enormous election largesse that the major parties have offered in the form of tax cuts.  We will stand fast against moves to privatise education. The Greens also oppose the introduction of voluntary student unionism as the impact on rural and regional students is profound with student services being withdrawn from campuses.

We support a system of regionally based, appropriately resourced and independent youth advisory committees, greater coordination in youth policy formulation and a decent income for young people.

The Greens will improve education and employment opportunities, including in remote, rural and regional areas. We will make affordable, accessible and secure housing options for young people a priority. For young people, access to affordable and reliable public transport can help with training and employment. The Greens are committed to providing great public transport in all areas in of Newcastle.

Most importantly we will implement environmental policies on clean water, air, and climate change which mean that young people and their children will have a planet worth living on.

The above statement was provided to the Newcastle Youth Council by The Greens