Question Time: Generation Next: The Issues and Opportunities Facing Young Australians

With tertiary fees and youth unemployment on the rise, an uncertain job market, increasingly elusive home ownership, and climate change knocking on the door … you’d have to think things are looking a little grim for young people in Australia today. 

But there’s plenty of scope for optimism too. The number of young people working or studying in Australia has never been higher, controversial proposals to delay access to social security for under-30s have been scrapped, Australia’s tertiary system is globally competitive, and there appears to be a growing recognition – from both public and private quarters – of the importance of fostering an economic climate suitable for start-ups and small businesses. Increasingly, too, young Australians are gaining positions of influence, persuasively articulating their needs, and creating opportunities for their peers.

In her role as chair of the G20 Youth Summit in 2014, Holly Ransom was in the unique position of securing policy demands for young people from global world leaders. Madeleine Morris hosts Ransom, as well Jan Owen, CEO of the Foundation for Young Australians, and Ruchir Punjabi, founder of the Australia India Youth Dialogue, in a full hour of audience questions – providing a unique opportunity to discuss the policies, bodies, organisations, and individuals shaping the future for young Australians.