Page 1681 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 1 April 2009
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throughout Canberra. That is why at the last election the Canberra Liberals listened to the suggestion of Youth Advisory Council members and committed to an expansion of the Nightrider bus service. Such transport options should be on the table. The current Nightrider service only operates around the Christmas and new year period and I would imagine a service over the summer period could be an option. Other measures to make nightspots safer include better lighting, an increased police presence and more CCTV cameras.
In the development of a new plan, I would encourage the government to consider the important role played by community organisations. Whilst there are some areas where government should provide services directly, there is a significant proportion of youth services that can be provided by community organisations. These organisations are often closer to the people they serve and are much better at targeting resources to services that are needed by young people.
This is especially relevant for young people in business. Young people, with all their energy and enthusiasm, should have the appropriate support mechanisms available to ensure their business ideas in their infancy can eventually flourish. Equipping young people with skills to develop their business plans, conduct basic accounting and be aware of corporate ethics and responsibilities are also tools that will enable young people to make a move into business.
A matter that cannot be ignored by young people in business is government taxes and charges. This plan must examine the impact that business taxes and charges have on young people trying to start their own business. There is no doubt that some taxes and charges are direct disincentives to some young people looking at going into business.
In closing, I again thank Ms Hunter for bringing forward this motion today. We wish all those involved in Youth Week well and look forward to the government’s response to this motion and an updated young people’s plan that takes account of some of the issues that have been raised in this place today. In closing, I move the amendment circulated in my name.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Burch): The Clerk has just pointed out that, in fact, Mr Coe cannot move an amendment until we have dealt with the first amendment.
MR COE: That is okay.
MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (3.49): I rise to speak briefly in support of this motion and also in support of Mr Coe’s amendment, which I presume he will need leave to move later. I foreshadow that I will be supporting Mr Coe’s amendment when it is moved and that we will not be supporting Mr Barr’s amendment as circulated. I think that what Ms Hunter has brought forward is eminently reasonable. It is, in fact, difficult to disagree with anything in this motion. It is the second part that the government appears to have a problem with, where the motion calls on the government to:
(a) commit to ongoing support for Youth Week and other youth events; and
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