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2 September, 2004 Media Release Country kids can influence election Young country Victorians are being urged to enrol to vote for their own future. A group of regional business leaders says issues facing young people in rural and regional areas are not receiving the attention they deserve in the Federal election campaign. Champions of the Bush Executive Officer Darren Chester says young people need to take a greater interest in political decisions and the impact they have on country life. "The only way to get the attention of politicians is make your voice heard by enrolling to vote before the rolls close on Tuesday, September 7," Mr Chester said. "If you are eligible to vote, get on the electoral roll and have your say at the next election." Mr Chester said his organisation was constantly looking for opportunities to promote regional life and provide a future for young people in country areas. "It's all about providing young people with choices," Mr Chester said. "They should have the opportunity to choose between pursuing tertiary studies, accessing job training or obtaining work in their local community. Governments need to work with local communities to make sure we are providing more opportunities for the young people who want to have a career in country areas, so that they can remain in their hometowns. "Too much emphasis is being placed on moving kids away from their family homes for university or jobs, when many of them would rather stay in the country. "We need to change the stereotype that you have to leave the country to have a successful career. There are many exciting opportunities throughout rural and regional Victoria and we need young people to provide the enthusiasm, innovation and energy for the future." Mr Chester said Champions of the Bush had supported the State Government's 'Make it Happen' campaign which was designed to encourage city people to move to country areas. "The next phase of the campaign is all about attracting tradespeople to country areas to help fill the gap in skilled workers which exists in many part of regional Victoria," he said. "It's a good idea -but more effort should be going towards training kids who already live in the country to fill those jobs in the future. ̉Learning a trade is a skill for life and it can lead on to small business opportunities which are the great drivers of economic growth, particularly in regional areas. "Young people interested in the future of country communities should be taking a close interest in this Federal election and ask the candidates what they are going to do to help regional Australia prosper. "We
need governments to keep investing in the services and infrastructure
required to help country areas to develop and meet the demands of modern
communities."
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