Have your say on the impact of violence on young people
10th September, 2009
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, is encouraging local residents and community organisations to participate in a Parliamentary Inquiry examining the impact of violence on young people.“Your views are important and I encourage all concerned residents, particularly parents, young people and those who work with young people, to have their say and make a submission to the Inquiry,” Mr Truss said.
The Inquiry will be conducted by the Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth and will also consider strategies to address violence.
“The Inquiry will help Parliament develop ways to address the problem of violence, especially as it impacts on young people.
“People are concerned about violence and crime in the community. While 72 per cent of respondents to my recent Wide Bay’s Biggest Survey indicated they felt safe in their own local area, respondents also identified ‘more police and tougher sentences’ as their second highest priority out of 16 policy areas.
“This is an important opportunity for the Standing Committee to gain a better understanding of a serious problem which impacts on many Australian families.”
Bullying in schools will also be examined by the Committee.
“79 per cent of respondents to Wide Bay’s Biggest Survey said they are concerned about bullying in schools, so the Inquiry is an important opportunity for parents, teachers and school communities to make a submission about this worrying issue.
“The Inquiry will also enable young people to tell of their own experiences and perceptions about violence directly to the Committee,” Mr Truss said.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth will inquire and report on the impact of violence on young Australians with particular reference to:
• perceptions of violence and community safety among young Australians;
• links between illicit drug use, alcohol abuse and violence among young Australians;
• the relationship between bullying and violence and the wellbeing of young Australians;
• social and economic factors that contribute to violence by young Australians; and
• strategies to reduce violence and its impact among young Australians.
Submissions close on Friday 23rd October.
Further details are available on the Committee website: www.aph.gov.au/fchy .
