Youth blog on rural and regional issues
October 2009
In any nation, and any industry, young people have high
expectations resting on their shoulders.
They are the source of fresh ideas and fresh energy. They are
leaders, experts, creative thinkers and business owners.
But nowhere are the expectations higher than in the agriculture
sector in Australia.
This is an industry which will increasingly help to feed the
world as the global food shortage worsens.
The sector is also leading the world in adapting to climate
change, by trialling the latest technology to reduce water use
while boosting productivity and profits.
But it faces some challenges, including the fact that the median
age of Australian farmers is now more than 50 years old.
Other challenges faced by young people in rural and regional
areas include isolation, the drought and access to broadband
network services.
I have met many inspiring and talented young people in rural and
regional Australia, including Kennedy Tourle from Dubbo who I
nominated, along with Jessica Roberts from the ACT, to
participate in the Australian Youth Forum rural and regional
roundtable this week.
Its great to see the leadership of the Minister for Youth Kate
Ellis in driving the Australian Youth Forum, including the rural
and regional roundtable.
I will be watching the debates and different opinions coming out
of the youth blog focused on rural and regional issues, which
kicks off today.
This is just one of a number of Rudd Government initiatives to
support young people, including some important programs in my
portfolio:
- Establishing the Next Gen Farmers initiative to provide grants to support the next generation of rural leaders
- Supporting the ABC’s Heywire initiative
- Committing $175,000 to support the new Primary Industries Education Foundation – a partnership between government, industry and educators to help encourage school students to learn about agriculture
- Supporting the annual Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
We’re seeing some positive signs. For example, enrolments are higher this year across all agriculture and related subjects at Charles Sturt University, compared to last year – some have jumped by more than 80%.
Enrolments in the Higher School Certificate agriculture, primary industries and earth and environmental science subjects also rose slightly.
It’s our job to continue providing the career opportunities, training and community support for young people in rural and regional Australia.
Through this blog and the Australian Youth Forum we’ll have a better idea of what you believe, what you need and how we can help.
Tony Burke
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
