Report sees jobless becoming urban guerrillas

Press, 1 February 1986, Page 26

Report sees jobless becoming urban guerrillas

NZPA staff correspondent Sydney Australia could see disillusioned, jobless youth forming urban guerrilla groups unless urgent action is taken to counter youth unemployment, according to a report. The report, by a group of business leaders known as the Committee for the Development of Youth Employment, proposes more flexible wage fixing for young people after, a review by the Arbitration Commission and State wages tribunals;' It says many school leavers of the early 1980 s who failed, to find work were now among the longterm unemployed at the age of 20 to 24. Their future prospects were bleak because of the introduction of technology in many areas and substantial restructuring of* the manufacturing industry.

“If we do not act on this issue, we face the prospect of an ever-increasing-number of disillusioned, cynical and disadvantaged young people throughout Australia, and the possible emergence of an urban guerrilla movement already evident in other parts of the world,” the report says. It recommends a national council be formed to monitor youth unemployment, revised and broadened school curricula, and other moves to encourage youth to get more qualifications and • training. It suggests an urgent study of whether wages paid to youth are stopping employers taking them on.

The Australian Confederation of Trade Unions, which took part in some of the committee’s work, came out against some of the recommendations.