· Youth unemployment rate 15.1%
· Young Tasmanians at risk of falling behind without support
· Government should adopt Labor’s Free TAFE policy
Labor is calling on the government to ensure young people aren’t left behind in the wake of COVID-19, in the way they suffered following the Global Financial Crisis.
Shadow Minister for Youth Affairs Josh Willie said a new report from the Productivity Commission details the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on youth employment and income.
“The report shows that young people struggled to get ahead and were trapped in a cycle of low paying jobs after the GFC – and without government action the pandemic could have the same impact.
“We now know the GFC impacted young people trying to get ahead for more than 10 years – and with youth unemployment currently sitting at 15.1%, and just 48% of school leavers fully engaged with work or further study, this looks set to continue.
“I’ve been speaking with young people getting ready to start their careers and they have real concerns about what their future may hold due to the pandemic.
“We know that the pandemic has impacted a disproportionate number of young people and we are yet to see a clear plan from the government to help get young people into further education and full-time work.
“We are calling on the government to do more to support young Tasmanians by adopting ideas laid out in Labor’s COVID-19 Recovery Package, including Labor’s Free TAFE policy, which was backed by the Premier’s own Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council, mandating apprentice numbers on public works, and rolling out Regional Employment Hubs across the state to assist people who are long-term unemployed.
“Without structured support, young people are at risk of falling further behind. The government needs to show it is prioritising their future.”
Josh Willie
Shadow Minister for Youth Affairs
