
“Like the Melbourne Cup, you just pick the best name”: will we vote in the local government we need?
Heading in council elections in October, Victorian communities will decide who should lead their community planning over the next four years. This task is important as local areas face the challenges of population growth, increasing diversity, climate change, and pressure on our local economies. Will we vote in the right people to take on those challenges? A recent survey I managed suggests its a bit of a crapshoot. WE ARE NOT MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS Over two thirds of V


Local communities helping young people into work: the 100 ways campaign
Over the past few years my research has shown young Australians are having trouble transitioning from school to full-time employment. Around a third are either un- or under- employed – and this is increasing. Young people are disadvantaged in tight labour markets where there is strong competition for jobs because they lack work experience, networks and job seeking knowledge. They are edged out by more experienced people needing to stay in the labour force longer. They will