Australian Young Labor Platform 2000

1. Conference Management

That the standing orders of the 2000 ALP national conference be adopted as the standing orders of this conference.

Provided that

• Policy motions at this conference shall be debated in cognate within ach subject show as in the agenda
• Each debate must have a mover or seconded
• Amendments in a debate must seek to remove, replace or alter one or more agenda items
• No amendments in a debate must seek to remove, replace or alter one or more agenda items
• No amendment will be out of order because it is a direct negative
• The mover of a motion shall have no more that five minutes to present argument in support of the motion and three minutes to reply
• The seconder of a motion and all other speakers (including movers and amendments will be limited to three minutes and may only speak once during the debate
• Debate on any proposition shall not exceed 20 minutes, subject to the mover receiving their right of reply
• Adopted policy which contradicts current policy rescinds the latt4er

1.2

That the agenda, as circulated be adopted

 

1.3

That the minutes of the 2000 AYL national conference be adopted as a true and correct record

 

2. International Secretary and Women's officer

 

2.1

AYL note the importance of the role of the AYL women's officer with particular regard to such issues as recruitment, training and addressing the barriers to participation for women in the alp.

 

To this end, AYL conference endorses the election of the AYL women's officer to occur in the same manner as the election of all other members of the national executive

 

2.2

AYL notes that the position of AYL International secretary is fundamental to the affiliation of AYL to the international union of social youth and that conference support the continuation of this role

 

To this end, AYL conference endorse the election of an international secretary to occur in the same manner as the election of all other member of the national executive.

3. Social Policy

3.1

That AYL expresses concern at the proliferation of problem gambling across Australia as identified in the 1999 productivity commission report. We call on the ALP to adopt national regulation and guidelines to limit problem gambling. This includes, but is not limited to, effective regulation of poker machines, casinos and sports betting. We believe that advertising counseling and rehabilitation programs where people can gamble is critically important. We also remain concerned about the increase in on line and pay television gambling.

3.2

AYL calls on the ALP to introduce a policy to have same-sex defacto relationship to be given the same status as heterosexual defacto relationships.

AYL recognises that many young gay lesbian, transgender, bisexual Australians are forced to live away from their families as a result of their sexuality and they (as a defacto couple) should be entitled to the independent rate of youth allowance as heterosexual defactos are.

3.3

AYL is alarmed by the high rate of youth suicide in regional Australia. AYL believes there is a direct correlation between the lack of services, employment and opportunities in regional areas and high youth suicide rates. AYL calls upon the federal opposition to strengthen its stand against causes of youth suicide and pledge to increase counseling and other services in rural areas

3.4

AYL believes that it is discriminatory to have differing ages of consent across the country for heterosexual and homosexual couples. To end this AYL supports that legislation be enacted in all state and territories to set an equal age of consent across the country for males and females engaged in hetro and homosexual activity. At the present time AYL acknowledges the social and political reality the age of consent should be set at 16 years.

3.5

AYL recognizes the social problems facing young gay and lesbian people. AYL encourages the establishment of further support networks and outreach services for young gay and lesbian people

3.6

AYL believes that all parents are entitled to opportunities to access education and employment. In order to enable parents better manage their work and family responsibilities, high quality and affordable childcare is essential.

AYL recommends that a childcare rebate that is means tested may be available to parent in recognition of the significant contribution they have to offer.

 3.7

That AYL maintains its support for equal opportunity in the workplace and in the education system.

4. Economic, Industry and Technology Policy

4.1

Young Labor notes with great concern the proposed merger between the commonwealth bank and colonial. AYL is disgusted at the past practice of all the major banks in closing branches and cutting thousands of jobs at a time of record bank profits.

4.2

AYL recognises that rural Australia is struggling under national competition policy. The tying of this policy with state government funding places an unfair burden on some states with a highly decentralized demographic mix.

Further AYL is extremely concerned about the deregulation of the dairy industry throughout Australian states. We call on the ALP when in government to provide assistance to suffering farmers and help curb increases in milk process for consumers

4.3

AYL recognises the important initiatives undertaken by Queensland in formulating the regional forestry agreement which is designed to develop Queensland's timber industry into a world-class sustainable forestry industry by incorporating a high level of value adding and downstream processing; and a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system; and an expansion of soft wood and hardwood plantations in strategic regions and the preservation of the unique biodiversity of Queensland's forests based on the Janis criteria

4.4

AYL urges a future Federal Labor Government to develop a scheme where by ideas, products break throughs and innovation in the medical field are funded for further research and development by a government body rather than the technology being sold to overseas investors due to a lack of domestic interest.

4.5

AYL recognises that Australia has benefited greatly from the reductions of domestic protection implemented by the Federal Labor government in the 1980's and early 1990's/ Such benefits have included :

• Greater product diversification for Australian consumers;
• Reduced input prices for Australian exporters resulting in improved competitiveness
• Contributing to the maintenance of historically low levels of domestic inflation
• AYL believes that the DPLP should therefore investigate the future benefits for the Australian economy of recommitting ourselves to our previous goal of free trade and investment by 2010.

4.6

That AYL support Kim Beaszley in his move to wind back the GST when labor is elected to federal government, particularly for education expenses

4.7

That AYL expresses its concern about the federal opposition's wholesale acceptance of the government's business taxation reform package. AYL is particularly concerned about the changes to the capital gains tax and the related issues of equity

4.8

That AYL condemns the notion of privatized prison and calls on the ALP (once in power) to reverse this trend where it has occurred throughout Australia. Further that AYL recognizes that prisons should be about rehabilitation not profit for private companies on the basis of the number of inmates

4.9

AYL condemns the creation of pesticides resistant genetically modified foods but not genetically modified foods internal. Also that AYL call on the Federal PLP to look at creating more stringent legislation for this industry and increase public funding into all aspects of research of genetically modified foods.

4.10

AYL urges the Federal PLP to adopt an it policy that will ensure Australia's school leavers are among the most technologically literate in the world.

4.11

That AYL recognize the potential burden on the federal budget of an ageing population and urges the Federal PLP to recommit to achieving superannuation contribution of 15 % by 2005.

5. Party Affairs

5.1

That AYL support a review of the ALP party pledge which is currently states that we support the " democratic socialisation of industry, production, distribution and exchange to the extent necessary to eliminate exploitation and other anti-social features in these fields. We believe that the current pledge is not the most effective representation of the modern labor party's beliefs and aspirations. AYL believes that we can develop a pledge which better encapsulates what the Labor party's core objectives are.

5.2

AYL recognises that women are valuable contributors to the ALP. As a progressive party is vital that women are given the opportunity to participate to the same degree as their male counterparts. As such affirmative action must be prioritised to remove barriers to the full participation of women in the ALP.

5.3

That AYL urges the Federal Labor Party to prioritise the election of more women into Federal Parliament and further that this be done by selecting into safe and marginal seats.

6. Health

6.1

AYL calls on the Federal Labor Party to commit themselves to repealing the 30 % health rebate for private health care agencies and to invest these funds into the public health second that can effectively utilize such funds without the need for this to be expended in a profitable venture.

6.2

That AYL strongly supports Medicare, Australia's universal public health system and strongly opposes any federal government policy initiates which seek to reduce public health funding and viability of Medicare as the chief provider of health care to all Australians, regardless of income.

6.3

AYL recognizes that the war on drugs has been lost. The criminalisation of dug users goes no way to solve the health or social problems associated with drug use.

AYL supports the establishment of a trial of medically supervised administration of heroin to heroin-dependant users. This trial would entail :

• A pilot of long-term heroin dependant users
• Supervised administration of heroin on a legal basis but medical professionals
• Safe and hygienic administration of heroin for the pilot group
• The pilot study being monitored by professional researcher and
• The provision of intensive counseling and welfare support service to all participants including employment accommodation and financial assistance.
• The provision of safe injecting for those outside the trial

6.4

AYL believes that a free and equitable public health system is the corner stone of a fair and just society.

To this end, AYL remains committed to the retention of Medicare system AYL believes that funding for the public health system needs to be increased to enable the current funding shortfall to be addressed. AYL also calls for the abolition of the 30 % rebate and the lifetime health cover incentive rebate scheme.

AYL also call for this money to go into the public health system including adequate funding for dental health scheme and specialist services.

6.5

The proposal to impose a 10 % GST on tampons and other sanitary produces is inherently discriminatory against women, Theses products are not luxury items and as such should be considered exempt from the tax. Currently condoms, sunscreens, incontinence pads and penile clams are not subject to the GST. AYL condemns the Federal Government for placing a GST on sanitary products.

AYL condemns the Federal Government for placing a GST on sanitary products. AYL believes that taxation should not carry a gender bias and calls for the current GST legislation to be amended to remove the tax on sanitary products.

AYL believes that the GST tax on tampons highlights inequalities that are inherent to the GST. Thus AYL supports the abolition of the GST on tampons.

6.6

That AYL calls on the federal government to exempt all sanitary products particularly tampons from GST. Tampons currently exempt from tax and should continue to be exempt one the GST is implemented. The use of tampons is not solely as a hygiene issue but a health issue.

6.7

Women have a right to determine their own reproductive lives particularly the right to choose appropriate fertility control.

AYL believes that all women have the right to an abortion or birth control including very low dosage oral contraceptive pill if they so choose and that these services should be affordable, safe and accessible to all.

Free impartial counseling services should be available to all women if they wish to access them.

6.8

That AYL supports the Nurses' Federation campaign for increased funding for a universal public health system. When note that the federal government has done very little to increase the access to quality health services in Australia and are concerned about the future of Medicare.

6.9

AYL recognises that mental health is an area that can not afford to be neglected. There is an ever-increasing presence of psychological disorders in our society. AYL  also recognises that mental health is a very real problem and that a one size fits all approach to treatment of psychological disorders is not appropriate.

Therefore a hybrid of diverse treatment programs for mental health is the only way to ensure that individual psychological disorders are treated effectively. These services also need to be accessible and available to all Australians suffering from metal health problems.

To ensure that this achieved Labor will:

• Be committed to adequate funding to all mental health services
• Be committed to allocate funding to the establishment of national research centers and research
• To incorporate psychological and other effective mental health services into the Medicare scheme.

ensure that all drugs currently used in this area are included in the pharmaceutical benefits schemes.

 

7. Industrial Relations

7.1

AYL supports the maritime Union of Australia's campaign against the international ships taking Australian jobs though the removal of restriction on carriage of cargo between Australian Ports.

AYL calls on the Federal government to remove the restrictive secondary boycott provisions in the trade practices act, ss45D&E that restricts legitimate union industrial action and allow the voice of workers to be heard in industrial matters.

7.2

AYL calls on BHP to reverse its decision to force workers on to individual contracts in the Pilbara region. BHP traditionally had a co-operative approach to industrial relations, recognizing the role of trade unions and the value of collective bargaining.

7.3

That AYL support the plight of 2, 500 BHP steel workers of Newcastle who lost their jobs as a result of steelwork closure. This recent incident shows that some multi-nations protect their workers entitlements however we not that this has not been the case with most closure of business in NSW.

7.4

AYL calls upon the federal government to enact legislation of the protection of workers entitlements We call upon the federal government to establish a scheme in which businesses have to deposit workers entitlements into on industry or company trust fund on a weekly basis as the workers entitlement is accrued.

On the board of this fund would be equal representatives from the employer and employees who will determine how this money is to be invested, in the same way that superannuating funds operate. The interest earned on this trust fund can then be reinvested into the company or however the board deems fit. These provisions would insure that in the event that a company becomes insolvent workers entitlements are protected and workers receive their full entitlements.

7.5

AYL calls on the ALP to ensure that in its first term of government that it reinstates the Federal Industrial Relations commission with its power of ambition pre the Workplace Relations Act and further the ALP repeal the Workplace Relation act 1996.

7.6

AYL looks positively to introducing a working week of 35 hours along with the commitment to cap overtime to ensure an equitable distribution of work, creation of more jobs and to protect the welfare of workers.

7.7

AYL believes in the rights of workers to organise collectively.

AYL believes that workers inevitably benefit from collective action and collective bargaining.

AYL supports Article 23.4 of the United Nations universal declarations of human rights that state "everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of their interests. AYL believes that workers who organize collectively should not be discriminated against nor their union representatives ignored by employers.

AYL calls for legislation amendments to both Federal and State Industrial Laws to obligate employers to negation with workers who choose to collective bargaining or with their nominated trade union.

7.8

In order to best assist working parents to balance work and family commitments, child care, especially in the workplace should be encourage. To this end government subsidies should be offered to employers who establish childcare facilities in the workplace

AYL believes that a program of subsidies and financial assistance should be devised by government to encourage employers to establish childcare facilities in their workplace.

7.9

AYL calls on the Federal leadership to oppose youth wages. AYL calls on the Federal ALP when in power to institute a competency geared wages system.

8. Communications and the Arts

8.1

AYL believes that the privatization of Telstra and Australia post is incompatible with the nations interests.

8.2

That AYL supports NSW Premier Carr demand that John Howard immediately reverse Testra's decision to sack 10 000 workers at the same time as recording a half yearly profit of 2.1 billion. This cut will reduce services that are provided by Telstra particularly in regional and rural areas.

8.3

AYL opposes the privatization of public utilities such as Telstra and Australia Post and the centralization of public services.

AYL opposes any privatization of the postal market and any further sale of Telstra.

AYL believes the privatization of public assets and centralization of public services disproportionately disadvantages regional Australia

8.4

AYL believes that in this age of telecommunication advancement the days of rural Australia being isolated should be a thing of the past. The information super highway would enable rural Australia to feel less isolated.

To this end AYL believes that

1) A scheme be set up to enable rural communities access to computers and the internet

2) That Telstra provide a bandwidth for rural communities to be able to effectively access the internet

3) That a scheme be set up to encourage local libraries, schools and community centers to provide Internet acc4ess to members of the community.

These schemes are especially aimed to help younger people in rural areas. These schemes will help to relieve some of the isolation that they feel being young and living in rural and isolated areas of Australia.

8.5

We live in a world were needs and wants are manufactured by advertising and public relations industry. Children are often used by this industry to influence the spending patterns of parent, unnecessarily adding to the financial burden most parents face.

AYL believes that the use of children in advertising is sometime exploitive and potentially damaging to a child's mental physical and emotional health and as such contravenes article 32 of the convention of the rights of the child, a document Australia has ratified.

AYL calls for legislation to regulate employment conditions for children in advertising.

9. The Republic

9.1

AYL recognizes that the referendum for a republic failed despite continued public sentiment in favor of an Australian head of state.

AYL calls on a future Labor government to again address the issue of a republic and look at implementing a two-phase strategy to achieve this important goal. The first phase should see a referendum put to the people, which simply asks whether or not Australia should become a republic with an Australian head of state. The second phase would focus on the model for election and dismissal of Australia's president.

10. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Affairs

10.1

That young labor calls upon the Federal Caucus to support and promote the establishment of a tribunal with jurisdiction over the compensation of indigenous Australians removed from their families. This is necessary in light of potential cost of this compensation, which will exceed two hundred million dollars. More importantly it will ensure that justice is both done and seen to be done. This will be achieved by moving away from the adversarial practice of the federal court towards the inquisitorial practice of a tribunal. The introduction of the tribunal makes it possible fro our nation to move on from where the "Bringing them Home" report left off.

10.2

AYL recognises the Federal Howard coalition government has failed to act upon the recommendations of the Human Rights and equal opportunities commission report into the stolen generation and further that this be a priority for an incoming federal labor government.

Further AYL recognises the damage the Federal Government has already done to the process of reconciliation.

10.3

AYL considers that land has an inherent physical emotional and spiritual meaning to indigenous Australians. The connection between Aboriginal people and the land was recognized on Mambo no.2 1992.  Native Title is essential to enable Indigenous people to fully exercise their economic social and indigenous interest all levels of government and other interests should be encouraged.

AYL believes that the native title act must give Aboriginal people the right to negotiate once native title has been established.

Implementation that there be a provision in native title legislation for negotiation to occur between those with different interest regarding the land. The native title act must give aboriginal people the art to negotiate one native title has been established. In event that no agreement is reached the native title tribunal must have the power to arbitrate for settlement.

10.4

AYL condemns the Howard Government for their refusal to apologies to the Aboriginal people for the stolen generations. Instead the Prime Minister seeks to play wedge politics rather than show leadership on the issue of mandatory sentencing, reconciliation and the stolen generation. We call on John Howard and John Herron to apologies on behalf of the nation for wrongs committed against Aboriginal Australians and acknowledge that there was a stolen generation. We believe that such an apology will be a great step forward toward reconciling our country.

In light of recent decisions of the high court, which seems to suggest that the commonwealth may under the races of power of the constitution (section51, part 25) make laws, which are detrimental to, rather than beneficial to the aboriginal race. The Howard government has used this ambiguity to push though legislation such as Hindmash Island Bridge. We move that the ALP move to hole a referendum to change the scope.

11. Employment, Education & Training

11.1

AYL believes that only with a strong understanding o the workings of government and democracy are student are able to fully participant in the demographic process and understand their rights and obligations in society. To this end AYL calls on the federal government to instigate a program of civic classes for all school students

11.2

That AYL condemns plans to merge the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Macarthur campuses of the University of Western Sydney into one body. AYL recognizes the independence of Hawkesbury, Nepean and Macarthur campuses as three separate bodies of UWS. We believe the merger is a power push from the UWS board of trustees who have not given the staff, the students or the community any opportunity to respond to the decision. AYL calls upon John Aquillina, the NSW government and the Beazley opposition to oppose all changes to the UWS amendment act designed to abolish the separate entities of Hawkesbury, Nepean and Macarthur or any moves to redistributed power to the USW amendment act designed to abolish the separate entities of Hawkesbury, Nepean and Macarthur or any moves to redistribute power to UWS chancellery.

11.3

That AYL condemns education minister Dr Kemp over his exposed attempt to introduce market-style management to Universities. Despite his promises it was revealed that Kemp intended to introduce a voucher system to Higher Education and wanted to introduce student loans with market interest rates.

11.4

AYL is committed to high quality, accessible, free and equitable public schools. In recent yeas there has been a move towards larger class sizes which compromises the education standards in many public schools. AYL believes that upper limit be established by state governments. Furthermore AYL calls on the federal ALP caucus to substantially increase state school funding to equitable level in comparison to private schools.

11.5

AYL recongises the serious problems which country schools face with a lack of quality teachers in their districts. To address this AYL believes that financial incentives should be offered to teachers to attract more experienced teachers to outback schools, thus bringing a greater education children in the bush. Further that people from remote and regional areas be given additional incentiv4es to undertake teaching degrees.

11.6

AYL believes that all students have a right to representations and the provision of services by their student organisations, whether it is at university or tafe. AYL recognizes that campus live that akin to a community, with student associations akin to local councils. Thus that as all students benefit from participating in the campus community, that universal membership if student organizations should be encouraged. AYL also recognises that the introduction of VSU was a politically motivated attempt to silence students and deny them representation.

AYL calls on the state PLP to repeal voluntary student unionism legislation in western Australia and Victoria and on the FPLP to oppose any attempt to introduce VSU at a national level. If a situation exists where VSU exists at a state level, AYL calls on the FPLP to provide SOS funding to student orgnaisations.

11.7

AYL believes that education is a fundamental human right. Australia, as a democratic society should make every effort to create and maintain an education system that is, equitable, accessible and relevant to all within society.

AYL opposes any moves to deregulate education system, especially the deregulation of university fees.

AYL calls on the FPLP to remove the ability of University to charge full up front fees for domestic undergraduates

AYL opposes the introduction of a voucher based education system.

11.8

AYL urges the federal PLP and the SA PLP to develop a policy to assist Adelaide in attracting international students. The policy will address housing, safety, migration and curriculum issues and be drafted in consultation with Adelaide's three universities and the Adelaide city council.

11.9

AYL urged the federal ALP to support and increase in student assistance to allow for the increased cost of living due to the GST. Further that the earning threshold for students be increased to allow students to earn money and not have their allowance dramatically cut.

11.10

AYL calls on the ALP to increase the rates of youth allowance and austudy to young students and young job seekers equal to the level of new start.

11.11

At present penalties and overpayments with Centerlink are repaid in cash or recovered by withholding a set amount each fortnight from continuing Centerlink allowances or pensions.

It is well established however that most recipients of centerlink payments are live in poverty-reducing befits can have a serious effect on their ability to undertake job search, community activity as well as affecting overall heal than other quality of life indicators.

Where other overpayment is not the fault of the recipient the recipient should not be forced to pay the overpayment.

11.12

AYL urges the Federal ALP to increase the earnings allowed on top of government assistance for people receiving welfare and unemployment benefits. This is in recognition of the often seasonal temporary work many people have to take. It also takes away the disincentive for people on welfare to take on part-time work.

11.14

AYL condemns the Howard government for abandoning the ALP's successful Working Nations program which provided job skills and training AYL calls on the federal PLP to prioritize training and retraining schemes for both young and older unemployed. The Labor party must ensure that it focuses on long-term solution to unemployed rather than the quick fix methods of the Howard Government.

11.15

That AYL commends the federal opposition for such forward thinking approach to unemployment. Workforce 2010 is one of the most progressive steps taken in an attempt to reduce unemployment in this country. The steps taken in an attempt to reduce unemployment in this country. The projected figure of 5 % unemployment by 2010 does appear achievable with a shift in direction and policy at the very foundation of this future government. Empowering communities with local skill based programs as well as the establishment of national workforce forecasting council, demonstrates the federal ALP have education and training at the forefront of their policy.

11.16

AYL opposes "work for the dole" scheme where here is not adequate training.

11.17

Labor will reduce the age of eligibility for the independent rate of Youth Allowance from 25 to 21 in its first term of office

11.18

AYL condemns the Howard government's plan to extent "work for the dole" schemes for single parents (once their eldest child has completed primary school) and recipients on disability benefits.

12. Population Policy, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

12.1

AYL calls on the federal government to revise it short sighted immigration policy and to recognize the positive effects that immigration has on the Australian economy the social and cultural life of Australians. AYL calls on the Federal Labor parliamentary caucus to instigate on election, an immigration policy that accentuates the development of Australia's regional areas.

12.2

AYL continues to encourage the FPLP to maintain its support of policies to increase Australian's immigration levels coupled with incentives for new migrants to live in areas that are not highly over-populated. Such incentives can included support services such as interpreters and increased funding for ethic groups, interpreters and increases funding for ethic groups communities especially in rural and regional areas.

AYL also condemns the Federal Government's decision to cut back on refugee and humanitarian vias and encourages a Labor Government to recognise the ling term benefits of a fairer migration program.

13. Foreign Affairs

13.1

AYL expresses absolute outrage at the conduct of the Indonesian government in east Timor, which has allowed pro-Indonesian militia to terrorize and kill the people of east Timor for generations. Further AYL deplores the appalling failure of policy and lack of leadership from the Prime Minster and his cabinet

It is now clear that the DFAT new that the Indonesian back violence was more than likely in the lead up to, during, and after the East Timorese referendum. Australia could have and should have exerted maximum diplomatic and moral pressure to establish a peacekeeping forced backed by the UN and deployed before the ballot. This failure of policy making has cost the lives of thousands and left a new country decimated.

AYL calls on the Federal Labor Parliamentary Caucus to pursue to the greatest extent polices that empower the East Timorese and enable the country to increase its living standards.

13.2

In the perpetual search for increased profits, the forces of global capital often operate to the detriment of workers and the environment. To combat these measures certain standards should be enforced witch guarantee against labour and environmental exploitation. This should occur though international trade agreements and strengthen international bodies (such as the UN) Those nations which have unacceptable standards in regard to work practice and environmental management should not be given trade advance over other nations which impose a minimum standards and conditions

The ALP should make a commitment to linking labour and environmental standards to trade agreements

13.3

The Jubilee 2000 petition, which was, circulated throughout 1999 urge the government of inuds5rialised nations to write off the outstanding debt owed to them by developing nations. This gesture of good will would allow these nations to overcome the sever disadvantage of crippling interest rates as well s enabling the accumulation of infrastructure and other investment which could lead to self-reliance. Whilst the elimination of such debt is a positive step it also needs to occur in the context of a more fiscally and economically responsible international loan system.

AYL endorses the Jubilee 2000 initiative and supports the move to eliminate the existing debts owed by developing nations to industrialized countries.

13.4

AUL condemns the Howard Government for playing politics with the ridiculous notation of reviewing Australia's treaty obligations merely because it did not get it way on a couple of very important committees.

13.5

AYL recognises the need for Australian peacekeepers to remain in the region of East Timor for the foreseeable further to help restore stability to the region.

Further AYL recognizes the referendum result and officially recognizes the independence of East Timor.

AYL commends the union movement's attempts to organize in east Timor.

AYL calls for

1) The international community to immediately recognize East Timor as an independent sovereign nation

2) The immediate release of all remaining East Timoreses political prisoners

3) The swift implementation of finding from an international war crimes tribunal

4) The international community to joining in the redevelopment and rebuilding process under the guidance of East Timorese

 

14.  Legal and Constitution Affairs

14.1

That AYL supports lowering the age of voting form 18 to 16. That AYL and the state branches of Young Labor pledge active support in campaigning on this issue such shall take a public role in lobbying the federal government and Beazley opposing. AYL shall invite other community and youth political group to form a youth alliance to campaign this issue. This campaign shall be articulated to the broader community though campaign material such as poster, stickers and pamphlets and regular commentary by AYL officers.

AYL calls for a urgent review of current requirements for enrolment on the electoral role due to its restrictive and discriminatory practices that requires several items of identification not readily available to all Australians. This discriminates against minority and disadvantage Australian and is particularly disenfranchising for young people.

AYL condemns the changes the NT's laws that the Prime Minister, John Howard has negotiated with the territories Chief  Minister, Mr Burke expanding police powers improving them with discretion to either divert juveniles into diversionary programs for minor offences or to charge juveniles and send them to court.

Police will now have the power to determine whether or not to charge a juvenile for and offence. If a juvenile admits guilt to the police, the police can determine whether to charge them and send them though the court process or not to charge them and place them in diversionary program. Discretionary powers of this nature should only be granted to the Judiciary who remain impartial when considering mitigating circumstances before determining guilt and sentence, have years of experience and precedent to consider in their deliberations. To provide police discretion opens the police to corruption and personal litigation. The proposed changes in the not do not address concerns regarding mandatory sentence laws. These laws remain intact under Howard's proposal except for minor change to the definition of adult from 17 to 18

AYL calls upon the not and way governments to enact legislation for the provision of judicial discretion when sentencing with a view to alternative methods of sentencing rather than jail.

AYL applaud the principled stand of federal Leader Kim Beazley on mandatory sentencing and is disappointed to learn of the WA PLP support of the state's mandatory sentencing wa. We urge the WA opposition leader and the PLP to reconsider their position on this issue and to recall their pledge as parliamentary candidates to abide by party policy.

AYL condemns the Howard Government's inaction and effective acquiescence of the northern territories mandatory sentencing laws and urges a Beazley Labor Government to overturn this serious infringement on the rights of children.

AYL supports the legal recognition of the same sex de facto relationships.

As such upon the breakdown of a de facto relationships

Unpaid work is not legally recognised as a contribution to de facto relationships. ASAP such upon the breakdown of a de facto relationship one partner is often left in a financially vulnerable position. In contrast the unpaid partner is likely to be left in a stronger financial position upon the breakdown of a marriage because unpaid and paid work is given the same legal significance.

AYL supports de facto couple to be given the same legal recognition that married couple.

AYL supports the legalisations of brothels. Legalised brothels provide greater occupational health and safely standards for sex workers and their clients. It also allows for improved regulation of the sex industry.

AYL recognises that brothels are safest environment for sex workers but remains concerned that non-brothel sex workers face victimization. AYL calls for measure to increase OH&S for non brothel sex workers.

15 Environment and Planning

15.1

AYL supports the ratification of the Murray-Darling Basement Agreement by all the relevant states

AYL encourages both the FPLP and each state's PLP to discus the implementation of programs designed to increase the prevalence and use of rain water tanks. Further, that options such as subsidies, education and legislation are considered to help achieve that end. Such move could have the effect of reducing the demand for water from Australia's river systems.

AYL encourages each states PLP to consider supporting the pacing of deposits on cans and bottle to give a greater incentive to consumers to recycle them. For many years such a schema has operated very successfully in south Australia where a five-cent deposit is in place.

That AYL reaffirms its support to the exciting policy not to open no new uranium mines.

In the recent past public open space and nature reserves have been thrown to the wayside by local governments and developers. AYL believes that public open space is an integral part of communities across the country.

To this end, AYL is committed to lobbing local government authorities to provide as much public open space as feasible in their local constituencies

The definition of public space should be that used in the Local Government act.

15.6

AYL believes that Australia must refuse to become a dumping ground for international radioactive waste. Australian needs to adopt consistent responsible uranium policy.

AYL encourages the development of adequate storage facilities of our own nuclear waste.

15.7

AYL recognises the unique place whales occupy in nature and importance of whales to our ecosystem and recognizes the continuing damage to our marine ecosystems that commercial or scientific whaling causes

AYL supports the current moratorium on international whaling instituted in 1986. However AYL also recognises that these measures are to enough.

AYL calls for the international whaling commission at its June 2000 meeting to establish a global whale sanctuary for the protection and preservation of the world's whales.

AYL calls for the complete ban on all commercial and scientific whaling.

AYL calls for international sanction to be imposed on nation who continue to violate the ban on whaling.

Authorised by Brett Jones