Anyways... this was interesting...
Youth losing interest in politics, warns G-G
January 26, 2005 - 5:13PM
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Maj Gen Jeffery ... education is the key.
Photo: Pat Scala
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Australia must find new ways to get young people interested in politics or risk alienating them, Governor-General Michael Jeffery said today.
In his Australia Day address, Major General Jeffery said the issues that interested young people were often overshadowed and the freedoms Australians enjoyed were often taken for granted.
"There is a worrying trend of disengagement from our democratic process - particularly amongst younger Australians," he said.
"The issues that interest them are often overshadowed by the rough and tumble of politics, however justified that may be in a robust democracy.
"If we cannot find ways to spark their interest and involvement, we risk the consequences of more young Australians simply turning away."
Maj Gen Jeffery said he was not advocating changes to the existing system of government.
But he said there was scope for schools to engage students by placing more emphasis on the informed teaching of civics and citizenship.
He praised the Constitutional Centre of Western Australia, where students and visitors learn how the Australian political system evolved, its relevance to them and what influence they could have.
"We do need to understand our past and how our democracy has developed, for without that our nation won't be fully prepared to assemble its future," Maj Gen Jeffery said.
"Indeed, education is the key to unlocking opportunity.
"Mentoring, with emphasis on literacy and numeracy, is one way we can help support young Australians during their schooling years."
Excellent volunteer schemes were already operating in many schools where older Australians were helping children learn to read and write.
But there was also room for a national program in which selected mentors could volunteer their knowledge and experience to help children avoid adolescent problems, and open doors to choice, independence and a better life.
"Recent tragic events in our region and at home have shown the extraordinary contribution of volunteers; how richly they've entered the lives of thousands of victims and whole communities," he said.
"Their chief concern is the well-being of humanity - helping overcome loss, poverty and lack of opportunity.
"I would encourage all Australians who can to undertake some form of voluntary community service - whether it be in service clubs, emergency organisations, support groups, or as mentors."
He said while the Australian community already benefited daily from the efforts of 4.3 million volunteers, more were always needed.
AAP
