Youth survey on pollies
A nationwide AGB Mcnair survey, commissioned by ABC TV's youth current affairs program Attitudes, gives a big thumbs down to the federal government and politicians in general.
Only 2% of the 750 respondents aged between 14 and 24 felt that elected representatives were doing enough to help young people. Some 93% had little or no trust in politicians.
On whether any issue raised by young people with their local politicians would be treated seriously, only 16% felt very or reasonably confident. Only 3% felt that politicians seemed competent and performed their job well. Asked to rank 10 selected occupations (including doctors, police, teachers, welfare workers) in order of the level of trust they felt about each, 51% of young people ranked politicians last, while 20% placed journalists in that position.
Sean Healy, a spokesperson for the radical youth organisation Resistance who appeared on the program, told Green Left, "Young people are totally excluded from the political process and decision making that affects their lives. It's little wonder they have no faith in this system and become active around issues like youth unemployment, the environment, racism or sexism.
"That's where groups like Resistance are important, in giving young people a sense of empowerment and control over their lives".