Media coverage - The Punch: Have you even met an Aboriginal person?

When my parents arrived in the 1950s as ’10 pound Poms’, Australia was a brave new world. Their street in Melbourne’s Glen Waverley bustled with fellow European migrants eager to create a life for their families.

But while our neighbourhood was a snapshot of multicultural Europe there wasn’t a lot of mixing. My parents socialised with others from the old country while their Italian and Greek neighbours went to their own churches and started their own small businesses.

The ‘poms’ and ‘wogs’ in the street lived together quite happily, but separately.

The walls only started to come down when their kids – my generation – began attending school with the children of other migrant families.

Or when parents like mine began venturing into the local restaurants run by their Southern European neighbours.

During National Reconciliation Week, I’ve been thinking about the parallels between their experiences and the way Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians relate to each other.

It seems to me that the vast bulk of non-Aboriginal Australians are living quite happily, but separately, from the first Australians – much the same way as the different European groups did in suburban Melbourne all those years ago.

It leads me to ask, why are the majority of Australians not engaging with Aboriginal people? Is it disinterest? Is it apprehension or fear? Is it lack of opportunity? Is it all the above?

If it’s disinterest, would knowing that Aboriginals lag behind non-Aboriginal Australians across almost every important social indicator – health, housing, employment, imprisonment, education – motivate us?

If apprehension or fear, does this reflect our own insecurities or guilt? That we don’t know what to say and are afraid of causing offence?

And as for lack of opportunity?

I’ve heard it said that more than 80% of non-Aboriginal Australians have never even met an Aboriginal person.

If that’s true it would suggest an almost insurmountable gulf in terms of opportunities for genuine reconciliation between the two groups.

How can we expect reconciliation to take place if our experiences and beliefs are formed from media reports and hearsay from others, rather than a genuine engagement?

The numbers don’t lie.

Alarmingly, more than half of Australians believe the relationship between the two communities is poor.

Close to 75 per cent of Aboriginal Australians believe they hold high levels of prejudice toward non-Aboriginals Australians. It’s a little over 70 per cent going the other way.

What a depressing situation.

In my view the path to genuine reconciliation runs through Australia’s workplaces.

Aboriginal employment not only means greater prosperity for individuals and communities but an opportunity for both non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal alike to really see each other, face-to-face, and the potential for prejudice and misunderstanding to be overcome.

But getting more Aboriginal Australians into work requires a concerted commitment from government, businesses and the community service sector.

For Australia’s business that means the purchasing – where possible – of products and services from Aboriginal suppliers; providing opportunities for Aboriginal trainees and apprentices; and hiring Aboriginal employees.

For governments and community organisations, that means making sure that Aboriginal Australians have the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities provided.

There’s no doubt people are making an effort.

We’ve recently seen Andrew Forrest’s Aboriginal Employment Covenant bear some fruit but so far the obstacles to progress have proven hard to overcome.

But dare I say Australian business could do more.

This week Mission Australia hosted a dinner for more than 250 leaders from Victoria’s business and Aboriginal communities to discuss practical measures to address poverty and disadvantage among Aboriginals.

It’s early days but I’m hopeful we’ll see some real progress from the discussions that took place.

Virtually all Australians can think of an Aboriginal person who sets an example for others in sport; half can nominate an example in the arts, politics and government and community service.

However, less than 5% can think of an Aboriginal person who sets an example in business.

I dream of a time when that figure – and those revealing the deep levels of mistrust and prejudice that still exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians – can be reversed.

And we can all make a contribution to that process – not just in National Reconciliation Week – but throughout the year.

Even if it’s just starting a conversation about it with your friends and family and refusing to let the issue be forgotten or marginalised.

And faced with the chasm of understanding that exists between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians your participation is needed now more than ever.

Paul Bird is Mission Australia's State Director for Victoria. This article was published in The Punch on 31 May 2011

Further reading:

• MA Aboriginal resources page
• Previous MA news - Reconciliation

Taste of Reconciliation dinner

Mission Australia kicked off Reconciliation Week last Wednesday, with our second annual Taste of Reconciliation dinner, held at the Sofitel Melbourne.

The night provided a chance for Melbourne's business community to celebrate Aboriginal culture, discuss ways to provide real opportunities for Aboriginal Australians and sample the native flavours of Charcoal Lane – our social enterprise restaurant in Fitzroy.

The event, held on the eve of Reconciliation Week was a huge success, attracting over 250 attendees including Elders and members of Victoria's Aboriginal community and leaders from government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors.

Throughout the evening guests heard from Hon Minister Jeanette Powell, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Stephen Roberts, Chief Country Officer and CEO Institutional Clients Group, Citi Australia and New Zealand, who provided keynote speeches.

In addition, Rueben Berg from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria coordinated a 'Thought Leaders' panel, which included a speech from Toby Hall, CEO of Mission Australia.

Guests were also entertained during the event by the music of James Williams, CEO of 3KnD Radio – Melbourne’s first Indigenous radio station.

Mission Australia would like to thank the Victoria Government (Aboriginal Affairs Victoria), Reconciliation Australia, Sofitel Melbourne, Accor, Citi and Red Letter Management.

Mission Australia encourages all its supporters, staff and volunteers to participate in this important week by taking part in activities in your community or simply reflecting on what this week is all about.

Visit Mission Australia's Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island resources page for our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the latest indigenous news, current affairs and policy updates.

Further reading:

• Previous MA news - Charcoal Lane
• Previous MA news - Reconciliation

Reconciliation Week

Today is National Sorry Day, which heralds the start of Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme is recognition.

Reconciliation Australia wants us to think about what it means to feel recognised, and how valuable that is for our self-esteem and our ability to recognise the best in others.

Recognition is important to all of us, of course. It is crucial for Indigenous Australians, whose existence and rights as traditional owners have been overlooked in history – and who continue to struggle for justice and equality today.

As the first Australian charity to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan, this is a topic close to our heart as an organisation and this vital national conversation will help us create a fairer Australia for all.

The theme of recognition is also timely. The Federal Government recently established a panel to consider amending the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within it, and we may all have the chance to vote in a referendum on this issue in the near future.

Mission Australia kicked off Reconciliation Week last night with our second annual Taste of Reconciliation dinner, held at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. The night provided a chance for Melbourne's business community to celebrate Aboriginal culture, discuss ways to provide real opportunities for Aboriginal Australians and sample the native flavours of Charcoal Lane - our social enterprise restaurant in Fitzroy.

Mission Australia encourages all its supporters, staff and volunteers to participate in this important week by taking part in activities in your community or simply reflecting on what this week is all about.

Further reading:

• Previous MA news - Charcoal Lane
• Previous MA news - Reconciliation
  

Hotel refurbishment helps those in need

An Alice Springs hotel has generously donated 180 desks, 50 chairs and 180 televisions to support Mission Australia’s range of local community programs.

The Crowne Plaza, which is a national supporter of Mission Australia, saw the donation, as an opportunity to help out on a local level.

“We are currently refurbishing our guest rooms and replacing some of the furniture. It just makes sense to pass it on to someone else who can use it,” said General Manager Monique Harmer on Tuesday, when the shipping container of donated goods arrived.

“This is one way we can give back and say thank you to the community in which we operate.”

Mission Australia’s NT Operations Manager Community Services, Brad McIver, said that the furniture will make a valuable contribution to a number of support programs the organisation is establishing in Alice Springs and the surrounding region as part of the Australian Government initiative to help people who are either homeless or at risk of being so.

“There are so many things we take for granted in our daily live that are beyond the reach of others. These donations will really make a difference to individuals and families in the Alice Springs area,” said Mr McIver.

Photo (L to R): Monique Harmer, General Manager Crowne Plaza Alice Springs and Jeff Prossor, Mission Australia’s Alice Springs Services Manager.

How do young Australians view the world?

Almost a month after it was launched, more than 1,100 young people have completed Mission Australia’s 10th National Survey of Young Australians online.

Schools and educational institutions are also helping us to capture the views of young Australians. So far 40 schools have also requested 17,000 hard copies to distribute to their students. We’ve also received over 30 requests for school/organisation reports, which give an indication of what their students or local young people value, issues that concern them and their feelings about the future.

Our 2010 survey revealed that body image was one of the main concerns for young people, closely followed by family conflict and school or study issues.

This year’s survey is asking participants to indicate their main three issues of concern, rather than ranking the whole range of issues in order of the most to least concerning. We’re also trying to find out who or where young people turn to for support to deal with specific concerns.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people – particularly those too young to vote – to be heard by governments, youth agencies and community service organisations like Mission Australia.

Mission Australia’s Research and Social Policy Unit can compile a report for any school or organisation that provides 200 or more responses. However, institutions that are in interested in receiving a unique report need to contact us before handing out the survey so we can make plans to collate your data.

If you would like multiple copies of the 2011 National Survey of Young Australians please contact Aimee Tyson at youthsurvey@missionaustralia.com.au or on (02) 9219 2022.

Mission Australia aims capture the views of more than 50,000 young people aged from 11 to 24 by 1 July 2011 – and we need the community’s help to make it happen. If you, your class, youth group or someone you know, would like to take part in the National Survey of Young Australians please visit MAYouthSurvey.com.au.

Further Reading

• The Age, 3 May 2011: Fighting the drop-out factor
• National Survey webpage
  
• Coverage of the 2010 National Survey of Young Australians

Media coverage - Blacktown Sun: A chance to assist migrants

People who want to help new migrants settle in Australia should do what Sarah Cullen, 27, of Blacktown, did.

Ms Cullen is a Mission Australia Home Tutor Scheme volunteer who has been tutoring Manizha Zaki from Afghanistan in English for four years.

"I have learnt a lot from Manizha and gained a wonderful friend," she said. "Watching her English skills develop has been inspirational.

"When I first met her, she could barely say 'hello' and 'goodbye,' let alone hold a conversation. She can now speak English on the phone, make appointments, use public transport and even apply for jobs.

"I work full-time with Josephite Community Aid in Seven Hills, but the commitment to the Home Tutor Scheme is only one to two hours a week and the time I spend with Manizha is well worth it."

Ms Cullen has benefited by picking up practical knowledge, including recipes for Afghani dishes.

Manizha Zaki praised Ms Cullen's tutoring and said they had become good friends.

Mission Australia's Home Tutor Scheme team leader Mina Zolfaghari said the service played a crucial role in helping new Australians settle here successfully and contribute to their communities.

"Not knowing our national language can be a huge barrier in settling into Australian life," she said.

"Imagine not being able to make a doctor's appointment for a sick child or buy a train ticket."

To become a volunteer or for more information, call 9635 1543.

Story and image courtesy of The Blacktown Sun

Read a recent media release from MA to find out more about Mission Australia's Home Tutor Scheme.

Youth Survey: a great chance to listen and learn

Mission Australia has had a fantastic early response to its 10th National Survey of Young Australians, with hundreds of young people already lodging their completed surveys online – the first of an estimated 50,000 we expect to receive by 1 July.

We’ve also had plenty of interest from peak bodies, government, not-for-profit and educational institutions keen to spread the word about the largest survey of its kind by distributing it through their networks and adding the Youth Survey link to their websites.

While any young person aged from 11 to 24 can complete the survey online, Mission Australia is also urging schools and educational institutions to get involved.

We can send out printed copies to organisations that are interested in getting a “temperature check” on what young people value, their issues of concern, who they go to for advice and support, what activities they are involved in and how they feel about the future.

Our 2010 survey revealed that body image was one of the main concerns for young people, closely followed by family conflict and school or study issues. Yesterday youth in Geraldton, WA, provided 720 ABC Perth with a taste of what the big issues for 2011 might be - listen to it here.

Mission Australia can also arrange to compile a tailored report for any school or organisation that provides 200 or more responses. These reports, which will be available later in 2011, contain valuable local data that can help them to plan future activities.

However, schools or organisations that are in interested in receiving a unique report on the concerns, values and thoughts of local young people need to contact us before handing out the survey so we can make plans to collate your data.

If you would like multiple copies of the 2011 National Survey of Young Australians please contact Aimee Tyson at youthsurvey@missionaustralia.com.au or on (02) 9219 2022.

To complete our online survey or find out more, visit MAYouthSurvey.com.au

Media Release: Youth of Australia wanted for national survey

National Youth Week – 1-10 April

To coincide with National Youth Week, Mission Australia is calling on young people to help highlight important issues in their lives by having their say in the charity’s 2011 National Survey of Young Australians – the nation’s largest annual report on the views, concerns and values of young people between the ages of 11-24.

In launching the 2011 survey, Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said it gave young people a voice across a range of issues with the information being used to help community groups and governments plan and develop youth services.

“Mission Australia’s annual youth survey is a ‘temperature check’ on what young people are feeling, what issues concern them, what they think are the main challenges facing the nation and how optimistic they are about the future,” said Mr Hall.

“Responses to the survey help governments, youth agencies and ourselves improve and develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.”

Last year’s survey tested the views of more than 50,000 young people – its biggest group since the survey began in 2002 – between the ages of 11-24 (98 per cent aged 11-19).

When asked to rank their personal concerns from 15 issues body image was ranked most frequently in the top three by 31.1 per cent of respondents, followed by family conflict at 27.8 per cent and coping with stress at 27.3 per cent.

Body image was the leading issue of concern for 11-14 and 15-19 year olds and for females. Almost one-in-two 20-24 year olds considered it a major concern.

“Young people’s concerns can be quite volatile – moving around from year to year – and they differ between age groups so it’s important we conduct this survey annually, with as many participants as possible, to obtain an accurate picture.

“The range of concerns – from stress to depression, suicide and body image – also suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood,” said Mr Hall.

Mission Australia’s 2011 National Survey of Young Australians can be completed online at www.mayouthsurvey.com.au. It is also available at all Mission Australia services, secondary schools, TAFE facilities and libraries nationwide.

The survey closes on Friday, 1 July with the results to be published later in the year.

Further Reading

• National Survey webpage
  
• Coverage of the 2010 National Survey of Young Australians

Clothes maketh the man at our Fairlight Centre

Hitting the shops for a bit of ‘retail therapy’ is something many Australians take for granted. But for Gary*, a client at our Fairlight Centre in Sydney, buying new clothes is a very new experience.

The 45-year-old has battled with alcoholism and problem gambling for most of his adult life. He’s drifted in and out of homelessness for the best part of a decade, and has also suffered from anxiety and depression.

This time when Gary arrived at Mission Australia’s Fairlight Centre, which supports homeless, alcoholic or drug-addicted men to make the transition back into mainstream society, he was determined to make positive changes to his life once and for all.

“He was in a bad way when he came here,” said Kevin Kingsbeer, the centre’s Team Leader and Case Manager. “He’d been drinking 12 to 14 litres of wine a day and was in and out of our overnight beds. But he was at that stage when he was really open to help.”

Kevin and staff suggested to Gary that they work together to admit him to a detox program. Part of the plan involved Gary working to improve his general hygiene and living skills.

The ‘make-over’ began with a haircut: “I said if you get a haircut and buy some hair and skin products, I’ll bring in some of my old clothes from home – and he was willing to give it a go,” said Kevin.

After a haircut, shower and change of clothes, Kevin took a photo to show Gary the difference – the response was a big smile and a ‘Hey, I look good’.

“From that day on his whole demeanour has changed,” Kevin said. “He has a new-found self-confidence, is walking with his head held high and with a spring in his step.”

With support from the team at Fairlight, Gary managed to curb his gambling and save some money for new clothes.

“I told him that $200 would buy him four new outfits and he was amazed,” said Kevin. “He had literally never shopped for new clothing, so he had no idea what they cost.”

After a visit to the local mall – a new experience after so many years living on the fringe of society – Gary was kitted out with new jeans, cargo pants, shirts, T-shirts, shoes and underwear.

“He was so wrapped and the transformation was absolutely incredible,” said Kevin. “The other residents all commented on how good he looked. The whole process has also been very uplifting and rewarding for our staff.”

Gary recently started walking for an hour a day as part of an exercise program. And since his ‘make-over’ he’s also got back into contact with his parents, who were so overjoyed they emailed the Fairlight Centre to thank them for their support and the photos they sent.

“He looks good after all this time and seems well,” they wrote. “Let’s hope he can overcome the disease and get the help he needs.”

The good news is that Gary is receiving the help he needs. This week he entered a three-month detox program with a new sense of pride, confidence and a willingness to succeed. On completion, he will return to our Fairlight Centre where he’ll be supported to move into independent living.

In Kevin’s words: “It’s amazing what a good pair of pants, shirt, vest and shoes can do!”

Well done, Gary, and all the best over the coming months.

*Name has been changed.

Transform a young life today

Many thanks to everyone who has made a donation to Mission Australia’s Youth Appeal 2011, especially given the tough start to the year experienced by so many Australians.

Such community generosity helps us to continue to run our life-changing programs to support young Australians to overcome very real problems such as substance addiction, family breakdown and abuse.

There is still time to donate
We urgently need more donations to help young people in crisis this year. Your donation will give a young Australian not only the professional support to transform their life, but the courage and self-belief to overcome the challenges they face in the future. This could include a series of one-on-one counselling sessions to help them overcome personal tragedy, abuse or mental illness, or a placement in a youth rehabilitation program.

For more information visit missionaustralia.com.au/youth-appeal

Donate today
$30 can help cover the phone calls of one young person during their stay at a youth rehabilitation program, enabling them to stay in touch with family and loved ones
$60 can help fund one session with a qualified counsellor for a young person overcoming personal tragedy, abuse, or mental health issues
$90 can help fund one young person into a youth rehabilitation program for a night

With your help we can continue to offer our life-changing services to Australians in need.

*Name and image have been changed to protect the identity of our client.

Opinion: Wrong sort of record to set on young jobless

Victoria has the highest youth unemployment in the country. Why?

Melbourne's north-west achieved a dubious distinction in the latest unemployment data - it has the worst youth unemployment rate in Victoria.

In the region - bounded by the suburbs of Brunswick, Sunbury and Kalkallo - 55 per cent of 15 to 19-year-olds are not in full-time work or education. Even more concerning, Victoria now has the worst youth unemployment rate in the country at 28 per cent.

And yet the irony is the state continues to deliver some of the best jobs growth in the country.

So what's going on? Why are so many young Victorians out of work - or not in touch with education and training - and why is the situation getting worse?

As politicians and media focus on Australia's ability or luck in avoiding the ravages of the global financial meltdown - and the potential for a new economic boom - it's worth reflecting on how we've allowed a situation like this to develop and what we can do about it.

Historically, young Australians bear a disproportionate burden during economic crises. They also have the least resources to fall back on and are the last to benefit when things pick up.

That's because during a downturn it's the casual, part-time and lower skilled jobs in the labour market - the type of jobs young people rely on - that are first to go and the last to return.

We also know through our research and experience in Melbourne's disadvantaged communities that there is a growing disconnect between labour supply and demand.

Businesses need job-ready applicants with minimal fuss. The steadily rising tide of young job seekers don't have the employability skills required.

Beset by a range of challenges in their families and communities - domestic violence, family conflict and truancy - it's no wonder that youth unemployment is growing and perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage as these young men and women grow up and have children of their own.

How can we start turning things around? A local area-based, employer-first, co-ordinated approach is required that identifies job needs, builds trust with businesses and focuses on transitions to work for young people so they can fill available vacancies.

The jobs are there; we need to make sure that young people have the capacity to take them. The tough news is that building up this sort of approach takes time, perseverance, innovation and resources. The key is integrated programs that offer structured work experience, support to overcome non-vocational barriers, and appropriate training that fill the requirements of local industries.

These young people are not going to be perfect employees immediately. They need to be given an environment to make mistakes, appreciate the value of a wage and receive support from mentors and a new peer group.

Programs that provide all these things, and also link business, training, employment and community service organisations, are not easy, fast or traditional.

One example where it's working is with Jayco, which, along with other Dandenong businesses, has been partnering with Mission Australia to move unemployed young Sudanese men into local jobs - an initiative supported by the Victorian government and two progressive philanthropic trusts, the Felton Bequest and the Bennelong Foundation.

It has been a challenging process but the efforts are starting to bear fruit, as these young job seekers take up positions with Jayco and other local employers and begin their careers.

There's no silver bullet - this particular initiative has taken two years of hard work to put together - but that's the sort of commitment required if we are serious about breaking the back of this problem.

Another approach is the use of social enterprises: projects that combine a commercial business with personal support and training. They are notoriously difficult to get up and running, but over the past three years Mission Australia's Urban Renewal landscaping and construction business has enabled more than 100 early school leavers to enter careers in trades by giving them experience.

Another idea being trialled in Britain is private investors investing in ''social impact bonds''. Such bonds are about attracting non-government investment for community programs that otherwise would not get off the ground for lack of government funding.

Returns for investors come via a proportion of the government funds that are saved from not having to provide a range of other acute related support.

For example, by investing in bonds, businesses could benefit from accessing some of the funds government saves on income support because the young person is now in a job.

It is important to remember we all have a stake in this. Governments can provide the resources and policy settings but businesses, community agencies and individual families need to be prepared to put in the hard graft to arrive at a solution.

The bottom line is our businesses need workers and our young people need to work.

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Paul Bird is Mission Australia's Victorian state director

This piece was published in The Age on 14th October 2010

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Media Release: Last days for Australia's youth to have their say

Time is ticking for young people to voice their concerns in the country’s largest annual youth survey.

Conducted by community service organisation, Mission Australia, the 2010 National Youth Survey winds up on Friday, 2 July for all states except Northern Territory that finishes on 30 July.  Results are to be published later this year.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young Australians – particularly those too young to vote – to tell us their views.

Mission Australia’s head of Research and Social Policy, Anne Hampshire, is calling on young Australians – between 11 and 24 years of age – to participate in this year’s National Youth Survey. The information gathered will be used to help community groups and government to better plan and develop youth services.

“Of particular significance is a new question asking young Australians to list what they view as the top three issues in Australia today, and we feel that this question is especially important for those too young to vote but who still wish to be heard,” says Anne Hampshire.

“Other new questions include one surrounding the level of optimism felt by young Australians about the future, and another asking what should be done about the issues concerning them.

“These questions in particular will help us to develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.”

In 2009, more than 48,000 young people took part and drugs was ranked most frequently in the top three issues of concern by 26.8 per cent of respondents. Suicide was the next top concern at 26.3 per cent, while body image came in third at 25.5 per cent.

Ms Hampshire says it is important to obtain an annual snapshot of the concerns of young Australians.

“Young people’s concerns can be quite volatile – moving around from year to year – and they differ between age groups so it’s important we conduct this survey annually, with as many participants as possible, to obtain an accurate picture.

“The range of concerns – from stress to depression, suicide and body image – also suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

“The results of the survey assist Mission Australia, other agencies, governments at all levels – as well as schools, parents and families – to better understand young people,” concluded Ms Hampshire.

Mission Australia’s 2010 National Survey of Young Australians can be completed online at www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. It is also available at all Mission Australia services, secondary schools, TAFE facilities and libraries nationwide.

The survey closes on Friday, 2 July for all states except Northern Territory that finishes on 30 July.  Results will be published later in the year.

Media contact: Sally Popplestone ph. 0415 547 626. 

National survey of young Australians launched today

Today we are launching the Mission Australia National Survey of Young Australians 2010. It’s our ninth youth survey and is the major advocacy initiative in Mission Australia’s youth pathway.

The results of the survey assist with the development of programs and services that meet young people’s needs, as well as being a key resource document for policy makers in the youth space.

The survey is for all young people aged between 11 and 24 years and asks them what is important to them, what their issues of concern are, where they turn to for advice and support and their participation in community activities.

This year the survey has some additional questions, around what young people think should be done about their issues of concern, what they see as the main issues in Australia today, and how optimistic they feel about the future. These questions will help us to develop youth advocacy strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.

It is important that we get as many young people as possible to participate and we would very much appreciate you distributing the survey through all your relevant networks – clients, staff, family members, schools, youth groups etc – so that we can make a major impact with this work. Last year close to 48,000 young people participated.

The survey can be completed online at www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey until Friday 2 July 2010. If you would like to receive a paper copy or multiple copies of the survey please contact Aimee Tyson on (02) 9219 2022 or tysona@missionaustralia.com.au

We must act now to save a lost generation

Twenty-two-year-old Marcus* had been involved in drugs ever since he’d been at school. He dropped out in year 9 and over time his relationships with family and friends disintegrated. He ended up living in a car, spraying graffiti and getting into trouble with the law.

Marcus realised he was headed down a road that would destroy his life and decided to take action. He tried to give up drugs on this own, but without the support of his friends and family, he became suicidal and depressed.

For Marcus, a happy, fulfilled life with a rewarding job seemed like an impossible dream.

Australia may be showing signs of emerging from the effects of the global financial crisis, but for one group of Australians, those like Marcus aged 15 to 24, the challenges continue to grow.

With youth unemployment rising Marcus’ story is an increasingly familiar one in Australia. For many young people who face the quest to secure a job it’s getting even further out of reach. In December 2009, the unemployment rate for teenagers was 16.2%^. This is a sharp increase on the same period in 2008 and nearly three times higher than the unemployment rate across the whole population^.

It’s especially worrying that the rise in teenagers not engaged in full-time education or full-time work since 2008 is a reversal of a previous downward trend.

Estimates for 2008 indicated that after a decade in which the number of teenagers doing traineeships and apprenticeships increased every year, this trend has now halted.

Why is this a problem? For three reasons:

First, history has shown that the most vulnerable people suffer the harshest and longest effects of economic downturn, with high levels of unemployment.

Second, because of their lack of qualifications or work experience, young people are at risk of becoming long-term unemployed. This can lead to intergenerational disadvantage with long-term economic and social consequences.

Third, with people living longer and the number of people of traditional working age (15-64) decreasing, Australia simply cannot afford to have the current and next generation of young people unengaged and unproductive.

Why is this happening?

Our society places a lot of importance on career, employment and money. When young people are unable to participate in the workforce, especially at an age when much of their own identity is being formed, the consequences can be particularly damaging. Confidence, security and a sense of belonging can be destroyed in a matter of months.

Many are already grappling with substance abuse, mental health issues, risk of self harm, homelessness, low literacy, a history of sexual or physical abuse and lack of residential living skills.

When these young people turn to agencies for help, they are often met with a confusing and daunting array of services and processes.

“The way Australia delivers employment and related services to these at-risk people at present is often complex and fragmented,” says Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall.

“Without enhancing our efforts we will find ourselves with a large pool of untrained and unemployed young people with insufficient education to contribute fully to Australian society – a lost generation.”

The solution

What can be done? Mission Australia believes the primary focus of service providers must be to prevent youth unemployment in the first instance by offering holistic support.

In situations where prevention fails we must ensure there is a timely, targeted and tailored response for each young person to ensure that unemployment does not become entrenched.

Any framework must obviously include a focus on the young people who are most vulnerable – those currently not engaged in education, employment or training. That translates to around 300,000^^ 15 to 24-year-olds and we expect another 50,000 by July 2010^^^.

Mission Australia, as a non denominational Christian not-for-profit is well placed to work in communities with high numbers of unemployed youth across the country. We can join with smaller grassroots organisations, employers, local governments and schools to develop collaborative plans to keep young people in education or identify job opportunities.

“We need to get away from prescriptive and bureaucratic approaches to youth employment and instead support and measure the success of local initiatives based on their outcomes,” explains Toby.

“The government has already hinted at something similar with its $200 million Get Communities Working package but we need something that has a stronger youth focus.”

Australia should build a national mentoring strategy into its youth agenda. Mission Australia has good evidence about what works and how mentoring can play an important role in promoting the wellbeing of young people – particularly those who are struggling.

Mission Australia believes the primary focus of service providers must be to prevent youth unemployment in the first instance by offering holistic support.

Mission Australia continues to provide, refine and expand its programs dedicated to education and providing pathways to full-time employment.

These include:

• 13 programs providing career advice and work experience to get young people who had been unemployed for over 12 months into paid work.
• 8 services providing one-on-one support to people who left school prematurely as a result of family conflict, bullying, learning disabilities or mental health issues.
• 5 mentoring programs targeted at youth at risk of leaving school.
• 16 programs providing training which assists young people to re-engage in education, additional training courses or employment.

Ultimately, the upward trend in the rate of young unemployed Australians could herald a worsening crisis. With resolve and sensible coordination of policy and effort, Australia can give many more of them the future they deserve.

* Name and image have been changed to protect the identity of the client
^ ABS Labour Force, December 2009
^^ The Hon Julia Gillard MP. RMIT speech. March 2009
^^^ The Hon Julia Gillard MP. Address to the Sydney Institute. 19 February 2009

Opinion: Charities capitalise on business to fight poverty

With over 20,000 homeless people in Victoria, we need to rethink our strategies to combat the rise of poverty in our society.

Whether we like it or not, the gap between those who have and those who have not is growing.

Enter social enterprise – a proven method in the fight against injustice, inequity and disadvantage in communities around the world.

Many charities are using the power of social enterprise to harness commercial businesses as their modus operandi. These businesses are driven not by profit, but by opportunity – giving those without power and voice a chance to participate in on equal terms.

Last week, 600 devoted social innovators from across the globe came to Melbourne to discuss emerging trends, successful models and cutting edge techniques to decrease the rise of poverty throughout the world. These international experts were seeking an innovative marriage of business and charity – the merging of market with social purpose.

Social enterprises unite communities to get a fairer deal. When exploitative factory owners and shopkeepers charged exorbitant prices in England in the industrial revolution 150 years ago, a group of workers established their own shop to provide quality and affordable food to their community and the first social enterprise was born.

Through the support of governments, the last fifteen years has seen a resurgence in social enterprise. The value of social enterprise has been recognised as the combination of local agencies and passionate people understanding local needs. Coupled with an entrepreneurial and creative approach, bit-by-bit these businesses are effectively responding to the needs of disadvantaged communities.

By providing services where little or none existed, social enterprises can give communities the public services it needs. By creating jobs for unemployed people excluded from the labour market due to their low level of educational attainment and life skills, such as early school leavers, social enterprises provide real work experience, training and allow a sustainable pathway to employment.

The most successful economies from around the world have adopted the social enterprise ethos. From coffee to construction, from landscaping to logistics, from packaging to painting, from markets to manufacturing, from recycling to repairs, from nurseries to newspapers, from hotels to health, from gyms to geraniums, from insurance to funeral homes, there are over 55,000 social enterprises in the United Kingdom alone.

The largest credit union in Canada, Vancity Credit Union has 310,000 members and provides financial support to people who have been ignored or forgotten by the larger commercial banks as well as helping charities to build their own asset base.

The world’s largest social enterprise, the Mondragón Corporacion Cooperativa in Spain, comprises 120 companies, employs 42,000 worker-owners, runs 43 schools and one college, generates more than $4.8 billion annually in manufacturing, services, retail and wholesale distribution, and administers more than $5 billion in financial assets.

Over the last ten years in Australia, the South Australian and Victorian Governments have led the recognition and revival of social enterprises, ably assisted by groups that target and sponsor unique and viable social enterprise ideas, like Social Traders.

Initially through training programs, not-for-profit groups such as Mission Australia have set up social enterprises that provide opportunities for disadvantaged and jobless Australians to get a job.

Trainees are offered integrated personal skills development and accredited training that aims to enable the transition to sustainable mainstream employment.

Social enterprises such as the Urban Renewal, a landscaping and construction business, provides an entry to the job market for young people that have limited employment prospects due to poor life and relationship skills, low educational attainment, mental health, drug and alcohol issues.

The life and job skills developed in social enterprises enable the job-seeker to find rewarding and sustainable employment in the long term.

Thanks to dedicated and skilled managers and team leaders, in running businesses such as Urban Renewal and the Charcoal Lane Aboriginal restaurant in Fitzroy, Mission Australia offers quality and value for money services to government and the public. We do not want pity. We want the opportunity to showcase the skills of people who don’t get that opportunity to demonstrate what they’re capable of.

As we reflect on the ways we can seek to draw members of our society out of poverty, Australia must share the faith of this unique marriage of business and charity. But even with the welcome support of the Commonwealth Government through the Jobs Fund initiative, the number of social enterprises in Australia remains relatively small.

In order for Australia to harness the power of social enterprise to provide jobs in our high unemployment and disadvantaged communities and get people off the streets of our cities, regional and rural areas, we need the investment and recurrent assistance from Australian governments and social investors.

Social Enterprise can help create a fairer Australia.

Paul Bird is the Victorian State Director of Mission Australia

Opinion: Welfare reform 10 years on - from our CEO, Toby Hall

A significant milestone in our recent political history passed without fanfare this week. It’s been 10 years since the Howard Government launched Australia on the path of welfare reform.

A decade down the track we might consider whether it’s an anniversary worth celebrating.

The independent committee charged by the government to make recommendations for change – a series of proposals known as the McClure Report – came back with three objectives for welfare reform: significant reductions in the number of jobless families and households; significant reductions in the proportion of the working age population on income support; and stronger communities with improved social and economic participation.

Perhaps uniquely for a major report on such a contentious issue it was greeted positively, not only by both sides of politics, but also by the business and community sectors.

It offered government a comprehensive road map for reform – a systematic approach to what is a highly complex problem. At the time there was real optimism for change.

But the Howard Government’s failure to embrace the McClure Report as a whole – including some of its toughest reforms – has left many of its targets either unmet or compromised.

In terms of jobless families, there’s no doubt the number has fallen since the late 90s. Increasing employment and welfare to work measures have had an impact but numbers are still too high.

Australia has the second-highest percentage of children living in jobless families in the developed world.

There are an estimated 543,000 Australian children currently in this position.

Around one in seven Australian children lives in a jobless family – one in two for single parent households – with all the associated implications that carries for future social and economic development.

These are hardly significant reductions.

And remember these numbers have remained stubbornly high through some of the best economic times Australia has experienced.

It’s further evidence that the problems of jobless families and job poor communities won’t be overcome by economic growth alone.
In terms of working age people heavily reliant on income support – again, while numbers have declined overall – there remain major challenges in supporting key groups into work.

Between 1996 and 2007 the number of people receiving the Disability Support Pension actually increased from 500,000 to more than 700,000 – greater growth than in any other pension category.

It’s estimated that 20 per cent of this total – 140,000 people – are thought to be capable of work, but we’ve failed to reach them.

And as for those vulnerable communities that stood to benefit most from the roll-out of the McClure Report’s recommendations, it’s Mission Australia’s experience that we’re a still a long way off from achieving its lofty goals of social and economic transformation.

Despite a strong start, the previous government’s approach to welfare reform was unbalanced and lacked coordination and integration. Ten years on we’ve failed to reap its full benefits and in some cases have gone backwards.

The current administration has the opportunity – particularly through its social inclusion agenda and the Henry Tax Review – to finish the job.

Among other things, that means simplifying the overly complex benefits system and introducing a single income support payment with a needs-based ‘add on’ bonus according to individual or family circumstances.

It also means removing remaining barriers to participation – such as the disincentives that exist in the current tax system for welfare recipients seeking to return to work.

We must tackle effective marginal tax rates so when an individual moves from welfare to employment they don’t suffer the double hit of income tax and a dramatic reduction in benefits.

As the majority of disadvantaged Australians are moving from income support to low paying jobs, the combination of income tax and a reduction in benefits is crippling.

And we need the Rudd Government to deliver its disability employment strategy.

While completing these reforms will be challenging and costly they will ultimately benefit us all via greater economic and social participation.

But if we don’t find the political will to see them through the gap between the job rich and job poor will become ever wider, condemning our most vulnerable communities to sclerotic levels of disadvantage.

Toby Hall, CEO, Mission Australia