Page 2681 - Week 09 - Thursday, 9 August 1990
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economic problems there would not be as many problems with youths, homeless or otherwise.
It talked about governments having a responsibility to protect children and young people from disadvantage, exploitation and abuse. As soon as we ban X-videos - and the power is available to members on the other side or to the Attorney-General who presented this report - we will be able to take some effective action.
It says "Government should provide an environment and the support that will assist children and young people to move towards independence and full citizenship". I had a bit of a laugh when I thought about politicians teaching children things. How on earth could politicians, many of whom show a lack of honesty, show willingness to flout the law when it suits them, and show disregard for the wishes of their employees, ever teach children anything worthwhile? I do agree that children get taught things, but I think we need to look at whether or not these things are worthwhile. Mr Collaery's report talks about grants being given to a number of organisations to further research and develop detailed submissions for proposed services. Rather than more and more services for homeless youths, why do we not put attention on the problem? Why do we not put attention on the problem of education and making sure our kids learn those things that are absolutely imperative in life?
We cannot fail to understand the importance of goal setting; we cannot fail to understand the fact that it is largely our own responsibility for our own life. If we do not understand these things we will never do any good in our lives at all, and the same is true of children. There have been cases where children have got involved in motivating programs and the results have been absolutely incredible.
The response talks about the Burdekin report; it identified the lack of employment and skills for gaining employment and says that this compounds the problems which face many at risk young people. I suggest that all young people are at risk while we do not ensure that they learn the things they need to at school, and while we do not get out of the way of the parents in bringing up the kids the way they best see fit.
Mr Humphries talked about the UN convention on the rights of the child - commonly referred to around Australia as the UN convention on the wrongs of the child. We simply cannot allow children freedom to associate; freedom to read what they like; freedom to do things they like. They need to understand responsibilities. One could say it again and again and it is unfortunate that it will need to be said again and again because the message has not been understood clearly.
It talks about those who have been unsuccessful in the school system and who may have low literacy and numeracy
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