1998

16th October 1998
Unemployment is No. 1 Concern for Young Australians Today
In Newcastle next Wednesday 21 October (10am-12pm) Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Most Reverend Michael Malone will launch a report entitled Young People and the Future at the city's Civic Playhouse.

Released nationally in late September by the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference, three years of national, intensive consultation and research has identified youth unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse and identity and the search for meaning as the top three most pressing issues for young people in Australia today.

Now that the national release of the report has taken place diocesan bishops across Australia have been presented with the challenge of implementing the report's suggested actions which have come from young people themselves.

At the Newcastle launch Bishop Michael will be joined by guest speaker Mark Hughes (editor of the locally produced magazine for young people, Concrete Press) and a panel of young people and youth advocates who will respond to some of the report's main themes.

The panel members include Hillary Buckley, Graeme Stuart and Stephen Garrett.

Says Bishop Malone: "As a result of the launch it is anticipated that a local working committee of church and community representatives will form to assist me in formulating a long-term plan for the implementation of the report's suggested actions."

Since 1995 the Catholic Bishops of Australia have been talking with and listening to young people around Australia, including those within and outside of church structures, ethnic groups, indigenous communities and youth at risk, in an attempt to find out what is important to them today and in the future.

The Bishops' Committee for Justice, Development and Peace conducted the consultation on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference.

The launch will take place at the Civic Playhouse 375 Hunter Street Newcastle commencing at 10am.

Back to Media Releases