This year, Colony 47 is coordinating two Anti-Poverty Week panel discussions, bringing together parliamentary leaders to debate the most relevant issues impacting on poverty in our community.
Colony 47 CEO Therese Taylor said “Our Anti-Poverty Week panel discussions are an important public exchange of ideas, giving our panellists, experts and audience members the chance to discuss and highlight underlying issues of poverty and hardship in Tasmania.”
The panel discussion on Friday, 16 October focusses on youth issues; year 12 attainment and youth employment.
Ms Taylor said “In Australia more than a third of all young people are either unemployed or under-employed and the West, North West and North East Tasmania are locations that stand out as being of national concern with youth unemployment rates over 20%.”
Panellists are Matthew Groom MP, Bryan Green MP and Andrea Dawkins MP.
Ms Taylor said “Young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, need much more than the skills and knowledge imparted at schools in order to successfully transition to employment. They need a sense of belonging.”
The gravity and severity of these issues are far worse in our community than people realise and Colony 47 welcomes the political dialogue for Tasmania to continue to seek solutions for its citizens.
Event Details
2. Panel Discussion: Growing Youth Attainment and Employment in Tasmania
When: Friday 16 October 2015, 1.00PM – 2.00PM
Where: Parliament House Reception Room
Panellists: MC – Ms Therese Taylor CEO, Colony 47
• The Hon. Jacquie Petrusma MP Minister for Human Services
• Rebecca White MP Shadow Minister for Human Services
• Andrea Dawkins MP Tasmanian Greens Youth Spokesperson
Colony 47 focuses on five key areas to create a fairer community and improve the lives of disadvantaged Tasmanians. Our programs work across housing and homelessness, mental health, education and employment, and community development.
Therese Taylor
