Media release – Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT), 20 March 2024
Investment needed as views of young Tasmanians ignored
The Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT), the peak body for young people aged 12-25 years, is calling on the next government to prioritise Tasmania’s young people, in the face of their voices being largely invisible during the election campaign, despite facing increasing hardships.
YNOT CEO Ms Tania Hunt said it was disappointing young Tasmanians health, social and economic needs had been neglected by major parties and candidates.
“It’s vital our decision-makers listen to the views and lived experience of all Tasmanians, including our greatest asset, young people,” Ms Hunt said.
“This is even more important when you consider 39% of Tasmania’s homeless population is under the age of 25 and that we have the lowest Year 12 attainment rates in the country, along with a higher youth unemployment rate than the national average.
“Come Saturday, over 50,000 young Tasmanians will vote in the election and sadly we have not seen their needs reflected in policy and funding commitments.”
Ms Hunt said YNOT was calling on the incoming Tasmanian government to prioritise young Tasmanians and to adequately resource YNOT, to meet an increase in demand for their youth participation and engagement expertise.
“Adequate investment in the state’s youth affairs peak body is one mechanism to increase the participation of young people, as YNOT is currently inundated with requests to support youth participation, which we simply can’t meet,” she said.
“This means young people are missing out on sharing their views in the decision-making process.”
Speaking out in support, YNOT member and CEO of Youth, Family and Community Connections Ms Ros Atkinson said it is crucial to have a well funded and resourced peak that is enabled to represent the voices of the youth sector and young Tasmanians.
YNOT member and Colony 47 CEO Ms Dianne Underwood said like most Tasmanians, Colony 47 want to understand the governments vision for the next generation.
“Young Tasmanians are at the forefront of the cost of living and housing crises, however we have not moved beyond providing unsustainable support at the point of crisis,” Ms Underwood said.
YNOT’s 2024 State Election Priorities also includes a call for the appointment of a dedicated Minister for Youth, the development of a standalone, coordinated housing and homelessness strategy for children and young people and investment in Tasmanian’s inaugural Youth Jobs Strategy.
