How will the carbon tax affect disadvantaged Australians?

Mission Australia recognises the reality of climate change and supports the Australian Government’s efforts to tackle the problem and prepare for the challenges ahead.

In terms of its carbon tax proposals released on Sunday, Mission Australia has a range of perspectives.

Firstly, Mission Australia is strongly supportive of the package’s suggested changes to the tax system.

Lifting the tax-free threshold from $6,001 to $18,201 in 2012 and then $19,401 in 2015, and lifting the marginal tax rates at the lowest level from 15% to 19% and at the next level from 30% to 32% are very significant.

For many years, one of the greatest barriers to people contemplating entering or re-entering the workforce has been a lack of incentive. What’s the incentive in getting off income support when you’re financially worse off simply by working an extra few days?

These changes go a long way to addressing that perversity in how Australia’s taxation and income support systems interact.

For example, under the package, a single mum wanting to return to work part-time would not have to pay tax until she earned more than $20,000 – a result of both the lifting of the tax-free threshold and a further low-income tax offset.

Similarly, a person on a low-income working two days a week could work an extra day without paying any tax on the extra day’s effort.

It’s about improving people’s passage from income support into work and we congratulate the government on these aspects of its proposals.

We also welcome the government's measures regarding compensation, including payments to help low-income individuals and families adjust to the carbon tax.

However, we are concerned that a 1.7% increase in the various pensions and income support will not be sufficient to insulate these vulnerable groups from the impact of the tax as well as the rise in prices expected from the enormous infrastructure maintenance and upgrades that are due for Australia’s power network.

We’re particularly concerned given that those on lower benefits receive the least amount of compensation.

As a result we intend to keep a close eye on its impact among our clients and will report to government if we find that vulnerable groups are worse off.

Similarly, we will also be assessing the impact of the tax on our capacity to deliver our services to those most in need.

For example, as one of the nation’s leading providers of services to job seekers, we’ll be monitoring the impact of the carbon tax on employers – both in terms of jobs lost or created.

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

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

Are you a grandparent raising children? University of NSW wants to hear from you!

In partnership with the University of NSW's Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), and four government agencies, Mission Australia is seeking to learn more about the experiences of grandparents who are primary carers of their grandchildren.

In the last major count by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2003, Australia had over 31,000 children being raised by their grandparents, and the SPRC and Mission Australia are keen to find out how grandparent carers are faring now.

It is hoped this information will contribute to policies and programs that better support grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren.

If you or a loved one are a grandparent carer then why not participate in the survey confidentially online and let us learn more about your experience?  It takes no longer than 30 minutes and can be started from this link.

Alternatively you can have the survey sent to you to be completed at home. To order a copy please contact Christiane Purcal at the Social Policy Research Centre.  Contact details are provided below...

Christiane Purcal
Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales
Sydney NSW 2052
Email:  c.purcal@unsw.edu.au
Phone:  02 9385 7830

Media Release: Survey reveals stark difference in outlook between homeless and non-homeless youth

Homeless young Australians are significantly more concerned about body image, alcohol and bullying than their contemporaries in stable accommodation according to national community service organisation Mission Australia.

The results, compiled from data from Mission Australia’s 2009 National Survey of Young Australians, also found that young homeless people were far less concerned about drugs and personal safety – leading issues of concern for the majority of young people.

To download a copy of the latest report please click here

When asked to rank their concerns about 15 issues, body image was ranked most frequently in the top three by 37.5 per cent of young homeless respondents. In comparison, 25.0 per cent of young people living in stable accommodation ranked body image as a major issue.

The second highest issue of concern to young homeless people was alcohol – with 37.3 per cent of respondents indicating it was a major issue – compared to 22.4 per cent for those in secure housing.

Bullying/emotional abuse was ranked as a major concern by close to one-in-three homeless young people compared to one-in-four of those in stable accommodation.

The main worry for young people in secure housing was drugs with 26.9 per cent compared to only 17.4 per cent for homeless young people.

Similarly, personal safety was viewed as a pressing concern by close to one-in-four non-homeless young people with only one-in-ten homeless youth considering it as such.

Mission Australia’s spokesperson, Anne Hampshire, said the results exposed the differences between young people influenced by their access to secure accommodation.

“We tend to think of young people as an homogenous group but they’re incredibly diverse. And when a young person has experienced homelessness it can have a dramatic impact on their concerns, the things they value and the people or places they turn to for help, particularly compared to those not in that situation,” said Ms Hampshire.

Other differences between homeless and non-homeless respondents identified in the survey include:

• Young homeless people ranked feeling needed and valued (39.1 per cent) as of higher importance compared to non-homeless youth (25.8 per cent). Conversely, young homeless people placed a far greater emphasis on being independent (55.9 per cent) compared to their contemporaries (32.3 per cent).
• While both groups of young people valued family relationships (homeless 66.9% / non-homeless 76.1 per cent) young people in stable housing placed a greater emphasis on friendships (other than family) at 61.4 per cent compared to only 42.6 per cent among homeless youth.
• Homeless youth place a far greater importance on non-family members as a source of advice than those in secure accommodation. Close to one-in-two homeless young people go to community agencies for primary support compared to one-in-ten non-homeless youth. 

Similarly around one-in-two homeless young people use the Internet as a major source of help compared to one-in-five in stable housing. In addition, 30% of homeless young people don’t have access to enough information when they have a personal problem.

The national survey, conducted annually by Mission Australia, tested the views of close to 48,000 young people between the ages of 11-24 (97.9 per cent aged 11-19). Among those who took part, 386 were homeless or in insecure housing; 225 were in out-of-home/foster care; and 460 were living in a juvenile justice centre or prison.

As to why such stark differences existed between homeless and non-homeless young people on issues such as body image, alcohol and drugs, Ms Hampshire said a number of reasons could be responsible.

“Young homeless people are no different to other young adolescents – how they look, their appearance and presentation is important to them. However, their concerns are likely to be magnified if they don’t have access to the resources to buy new clothes or are possibly reliant on donated goods. It’s hard to look after your appearance if you’re couch-surfing and don’t have a safe and secure place to stay.

“Poor body image is also tied up poor self-esteem and an overall lack of well-being. The high concern about alcohol among young homeless respondents – particularly when compared to those in secure housing – could relate to their experience of alcohol misuse in their family or their own usage of alcohol as research has shown there’s an increased likelihood of homeless young people having high levels of alcohol consumption.”

“A lower level of concern about drugs among this group – when it is the chief issue for young people in stable accommodation – might suggest a greater familiarity with drugs and if that’s the case it requires us to put more efforts into drug education and health campaigns for this particular group,” said Ms Hampshire.

According to Ms Hampshire the results also reveal the importance of personal connections in keeping a young person out of homelessness or helping them back on their feet.

“Developing and sustaining connections with family and friends is a key foundation for a young person’s wellbeing. We also know that family conflict is the most common reason for homeless young people leaving home.

“Personal connections are a cornerstone in helping a young homeless person back on their feet – that’s why programs which intervene early to help young homeless people re-build these sorts of relationships are so important,” said Ms Hampshire.

National Homeless Persons’ Week (2-8 August) is also the time for Mission Australia’s Winter Sleepout.

Winter Sleepout encourages Australians to show their support for homeless people by spending a night away from their beds and raising funds for Mission Australia’s homeless services.

Simply get together with your family, friends, colleagues, social teams, schools and clubs and ‘sleepout’ and seek sponsorship for your efforts.

For more information visit www.wintersleepout.com.au

Media contact: Patrick Flynn (02) 9641 5031 or 0407 411 256

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