In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, Paris McMahon discusses the impact of the current cost of living crisis on young people with Dr Justin Barker, the CEO of Youth Coalition. He shares his perspectives on the challenges facing young people in the ACT, including housing insecurity, the cost of living and concerns for the future. Paris and Justin talk about the importance of listening to young people and caring for their wellbeing, and why some of the recent policy decisions are not enough to protect this often overlooked cohort. The path to adulthood is no longer a straightforward one, and there are many new factors that change the way we think of young people and their future.
Interviewee bio:
Dr Justin Barker is an urban anthropologist and a nationally recognised youth studies academic, with a focus on youth homelessness. He has extensive experience in working with marginalised communities and has been the lead researcher on numerous projects funded by local and Commonwealth Governments that have aimed to directly inform policy and practice. Prior to
becoming the CEO of the Youth Coalition, Justin worked as a youth worker in Adelaide and Canberra. The Youth Coalition is the peak body for young people and youth affairs that ensures that the Government, community and community sector are looking after the needs of young people under the age of 30.
Attribution for copyright free audio clips used:
Chael – Sparks