Report from the National Rural Women's Summit 

We call upon the youth of Australia to join us in meeting the challenges of our generation. We recognize that to effectively deal with these challenges requires creative thinking and new ideas. We have proposed a range of ideas that paint a picture for all Australians. Above all else we recognize that this is the start of a broader process, a process that will require the great ideas and input of all 2.8 million young Australians. (2020 Youth Summit 2008)

Topic scope

This workshop discussed the issues for young people (aged 15 – 30) in rural areas including:

• Attracting and retaining young people in primary industries and rural communities
• Supporting young families
• A new paradigm for young people to move into agriculture
• Career pathways that are clearly outlined and known
• Increasing the performance of rural high schools
• Access to education
• Indigenous young people
• Entrepreneurship and innovation
• Suicide, sexuality and drug related problems

Our Vision

The retention, attraction, development and contribution of young people in rural Australia underpin the viability and sustainability of rural communities, industry, businesses and governance.  In the future there is:

• Increased opportunity for young people to participate and be engaged in career training and decision making
• Educational outcomes for rural areas that are equal to those of urban areas
• A skilled rural workforce across all sectors and available training that is utilised
• Because we got it right for young people, population growth for rural and remote regions has increased
• Increased showcasing of rural success stories
• Valuing of primary production and its contribution to communities
• Affirmative action to ensure the voices of young people are represented in decision making
• Positive action taken to include marginalised young people including remote, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse young people and refugees
• All activity is underpinned by the following principles:
• A voice for young people in decisions that affect them and about the broader community
• A commitment is demonstrated to connecting with young people in the ways they choose to connect
• A recognition of the ‘dynamic flow’ of rural communities and the individuals therein

Priority Recommendations

1. The development of a National Rural and Regional Young People’s Network that facilitates social, professional and community interaction through web-based interactive technology (i.e. Young Australian Rural Network) and local chapters.
2. Support for leadership initiatives:
   • Short-term, intensive, annual national leadership course for young rural Australians that reflects the diverse demographic;
   • Affirmative action to secure places for young people on advisory boards/committees
   • Mentoring, as in Recommendation 3;
   • School programs are developed to support leadership pathway opportunities; and
   • Identify and harness the skills and energies of young change agents who have not yet had the chance to achieve recognised leadership positions.
3. Implementation of a national infrastructure for mentoring programs that are inclusive using a range of models to support social, career and leadership development;
4. Exploration and development of pathways for young people to move into primary production and town-based enterprise, and innovative ways for conducting farm business are created and supported;
5. Review by Government of the current drought policy with a specific focus on the impact of policies that affect young people, e.g. interest rate subsidies for young people who have recently purchased land;
6. Non-means tested support (e.g. AUSTUDY/ABSTUDY) for post-secondary education for rural and remote students to ensure equity of access to tertiary education;
7. National promotion of primary production as a career choice for all young people. A review of current eligibility criteria and effective flexible assistance for students pursuing agricultural studies;
8. A national review of school career services; and
9. Culturally appropriate education programs for the development of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are implemented and further resourced.