Mission Australia is calling on all young Tasmanians to get involved and highlight important issues facing their lives by having their say in the 2007 Mission Australia Youth Survey.

In launching Mission Australia’s annual youth survey, Tasmanian State Director Noel Mundy said the survey gives Tasmania’s young people, between the ages of 11 and 24, the opportunity to have a voice, allowing for improvement in services and planning for future research and resources.

“Last year we had over 650 young Tasmanians complete the survey and this year we are hoping to double that figure as we are very keen for young Tasmanians to be involved,” Mr Mundy said.

“In 2006, when asked to rank 10 issues by level of importance, bullying/emotional abuse was ranked most frequently in the top three by 31.9% of Tasmanian respondents. Alcohol and other drugs was a top concern for 31.5% of respondents, while depression came third with 27.6%.

“The range of concerns – from stress and abuse to depression, suicide and body image – suggests new levels of turbulence affecting the already challenging transition from youth to adulthood.”

Mr Mundy said the youth survey is a national survey organised by Mission Australia which aims to get a richer understanding of young people’s thoughts and opinions.

“The results of the survey will assist Mission Australia and others working with young people, including all levels of government, to evaluate and improve their programs, services and projects for young people,” Mr Mundy said.

“The survey also provides timely information for young people themselves and those interested and involved in youth issues and the delivery of services and programs for them.”

The survey is available at all Mission Australia sites, secondary schools, TAFE facilities and libraries statewide and can also be completed online at www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey.

The survey closes on Friday, 29th June.

Mission Australia helps disadvantaged Tasmanians regain their lives and independence by providing employment and training as well as providing youth initiatives to inspire disadvantaged young people.

Mission Australia has almost 280 services across every state and territory in Australia and has five offices in Tasmania in Burnie, Launceston, Hobart, Moonah and Devonport.

For more information or to arrange an interview:
Lucinda Bray, Beyond PR, 6223 3333 or 0438 280 486

Key Tasmanian results of the 2006 Mission Australia survey

• 67.7% of respondents ranked family/relationships as one of the top three things they most valued. This was followed by friendships at 64.3% and being independent at 39.5%.
• More females ranked friendships as important (67.9%) than males (59.2%).
• Just over 46% of males, compared with around 21.9% of females, valued getting a job highly.
• 31.5% of Tasmanian respondents highly valued getting a job compared to 20.3% nationally.
• A much higher proportion of males than females is significantly concerned about alcohol and other drugs – 36.6% compared to 28.4%.
• Physical/sexual abuse was a major concern for 28.4% of females compared to 22% of males.
• Two in five 20-24 year olds are significantly concerned about depression, while two out of five identified discrimination as a major issue.
• In terms of who young people turn to when they need advice and support, the three most popular mentions were for friend/s (83.8%), parent/s (70%) and relative/family friend (61.4%). The Internet ranked fourth at 22.1% - well above the national response of 16.8%.
• 30.9% of 20-24 year olds, and 27.1% of males, use the Internet for advice and support compared to 11-14 years (15%), 15-19 years (24.7%) and females (19%).
• 22.3% of Tasmanian respondents were involved in volunteering activities. Volunteering increases significantly among 20-24 year olds (39.7%), however this same age group has a relatively poor level of participation in sport (46.6%) compared to 11-14 year olds (71.9%).
• Environmental issues were valued highly by only 10.9% of respondents.