Gen Y are ready to boil over

Thousands of young Australians have demanded such a program in Australia. As well as strengthening democracy, they see it as essential in confronting damaging attitudes such as racism, sexism and homophobia.

Ellis will discover that disengaged youth need a system that equips them with better knowledge and tools - rather than a random visit from the Minister.

Another concrete barrier to youth participation is the radically altered culture of university campuses. The all-encompassing university experience - in which debating ideas and forming social networks nourishes the intellectual journey - is rapidly dying.

The frustrations felt by students were highlighted when unprecedented numbers turned out on campuses across the nation for a National Union of Students co-ordinated rally last month, protesting flawed student support policies.

Faced with the prospect of long-term unemployment and cataclysmic environmental changes, young Australians are rightly demanding their say in policies that affect our future. The AYF represents an improvement on the Government’s part in addressing this. But a website and a few summits will be a pitiful outcome for the $8 million investment. Serious institutional failings in the education, employment and welfare sectors must be addressed. These changes must be made notwithstanding the pressures of the global economic crisis - they are vital if Australia is to regain its long-term footing.

As the biggest stakeholders in Australia’s future, with fresh and innovative insights to offer, young Australians deserve a genuine hearing.