RECEIVE UPDATESChildren and Young People
The ACT Greens believe:
1. children and young people are to be respected and valued for who they are now, as well as who they may become in the future
2. children and young people have the right to live in a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment in which they can thrive
3. children and young people have the right to live free of physical and emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination
4. it is unacceptable for children and young people in the ACT to lack food, clothing and housing adequate for health and safety
5. the focus of decisions that affect children and young people must be their best interests
6. children and young people are entitled to express opinions and to have them taken into account by decision-makers, appropriate to their age and maturity
7. children and young people have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities.
The ACT Greens want:
1. protection and promotion of the rights of children and young people in the ACT, consistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
2. continual enhancement of the extent to which Canberra is a child-friendly city
3. effective mechanisms for children and young people to express their needs, opinions and aspirations to the ACT Government and the broader community
4. a reduction in the incidence and impact of poverty, disadvantage and homelessness amongst children and young people in the ACT
5. promotion of the health and wellbeing of children and young people
6. children and young people to be valued as active citizens of the ACT.
The ACT Greens support:
1. reviewing ACT legislation to identify opportunities to strengthen the human rights of children and young people
2. evaluating the extent to which Canberra is a child-friendly city, and developing strategies for continual improvement
3. ensuring that young people have access to public spaces and community facilities throughout the ACT
4. further integrate the policy focus on children and young people across the ACT Government, with input from a Youth Advisory Committee adequately resourced to consult broadly
5. collaborating with representative and advocacy organisations to engage children and young people in community consultation activities and government decision-making
6. giving those aged sixteen and seventeen years the option to register and vote in ACT elections
7. reducing poverty and homelessness amongst children and young people in the ACT through:
7.1. improving food security through food relief, meal services and practical assistance to low-income families
7.2. increasing access to safe, affordable housing through public housing, community housing and supported accommodation
7.3. enhancing service coordination for children and young people who may be at risk
8. promoting programs which reduce the incidence of alcohol and drug abuse by young people, using the best expert advice available, and following a strategy of harm minimisation
9. effective diversionary and rehabilitation programs to minimise the incidence of young people in the criminal justice system
10. increasing investment in social support programs for children and young people, including:
10.1. small grants for events and activities run for and by young people
10.2. services responding to the diverse needs, aspirations and interests of children and young people
10.3. community education and awareness activities to promote respect for children and young people and celebrate their achievements.
