A YOUTH forum organized by volunteers for independent candidate Deb Leonard has identified creative solutions to the key issues facing young people in the Monash electorate.
Transport, mental health, costs of living and climate emerged as the top concerns, with the young participants proposing forward-thinking policies to address these challenges.
The forum brought together students and staff from local schools and universities to ensure youth perspectives inform Deb Leonard in the upcoming federal election. "We need to listen to the innovative ideas of our young people to move beyond politics and develop genuine solutions," said Leonard. "I'm proud of my volunteers for creating this platform to amplify youth voices."
Forum participants highlighted the need improve mental health services in the region. They called for more interdisciplinary mental health teams in schools, combining psychologists, paediatricians and social workers to better support student wellbeing.
Representatives from both public and private schools expressed concern that only private schools could access federal funding, while the need for better resources and support staff was far greater in public schools. Deb said this was one of the key inequities in federal funding which she plans to correct if elected.
There was agreement from the young people attending that they would prefer to stay in the local area but difficulties in connecting with employment and study opportunities and peers meant that they inevitably considered moving. One university student described how they would drive for over three hours a day so that they could attend a face-to-face university course rather than give up on their local connections.
The underutilization of the Wonthaggi TAFE campus was identified as a missed opportunity to engage youth and provide pathways for those wishing to stay in the region.
Participants also proposed creating "third spaces" for free community events and resources to foster connection and combat isolation among young people in regional areas. " As one school participant noted: “Strong connections make strong communities”.
Costs of living outpacing income was a concern. Engaged youth put forward solutions including tax large corporations and natural resource exports to raise the funds needed to provide funds needed to raise Centrelink payments to a liveable level and provide a fairer tax system.
“It’s appalling that in 2025, there are kids living homeless in our community.” Says Deb. “We’re not giving people the basics they need to survive, let alone get ahead. This should be one of the highest priorities of government at all levels.”
Understandably, the environment and climate change were key concerns for the young attendees. Disillusioned and let down by successive governments not being accountable for their actions, they expressed the need for consequences for environmental damage and failure to act in accordance with recommendations of climate experts. “Governments need to be held accountable for their actions” said one young person.
On the issue of politics, all participants agreed that there needed to be more education around civics and the political system in high school, including how to access news from credible sources and critically evaluate information in the media.
"This is the kind of innovative, integrated thinking we get when young people are included," Leonard noted.
"Our young people have a vital stake in our region's future. Their voices deserve to be at the centre of this election conversation," Leonard said.
The youth forum is one of many community consultations informing Leonard's campaign as she seeks to be a strong independent voice for Monash in Canberra.
