13 June 2002
Alliance Youth Policy: Vital, Vibrant And Ready To Take On The World!
Minister of Youth Affairs and Alliance Leader Laila Harré today announced the first of the Alliance’s Election 2002
policies – its Youth Policy.
Speaking at the launch in Christchuch today, Laila Harré said that “its beyond time that the energy and vitality of
young New Zealanders was seen as their gift to our society and not as an affront needing to be controlled.
“All young New Zealanders should be supported in developing their potential, making life choices and using the skills
they already have. This policy is about removing any barriers that prevent or inhibit that from happening.”
Laila Harré highlighted key priorities for the Alliance as part of a new government would be:
A nationwide, commercial-free youth radio network
The adult minimum wage for 16 and 17 year olds and a minimum wage for under 16s
Restoration of the Training Benefit for 16 and 17 year olds
More youth health centres and health services in schools
Free access to sexual and reproductive health information and promotion of condoms and lubricant use
Enhanced youth participation in communities, schools and central government
A harm minimisation approach to drug and alcohol use
Repeal of section 59 of the Crimes Act
Continued implementation of the Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy and the Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa
Laila Harré the policy was mostly the work of the youth wing of the Alliance, Staunch, and she wanted to thank them for
all the ongoing energy and hard work that they have put into the Alliance.
“The Alliance is going into this election with an amazing field of young candidates and a youth policy that reflects
what they know young people want and need. I hope that this will encourage more young people to give their party vote to
the Alliance.”
Ends