Military historian Peter Lacey says it's time to consider the introduction of national service for all young Australians.
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As guest speaker at Merimbula's Anzac Day lunch, Mr Lacey praised Australia’s armed forces for the roles they regularly play, aside from their core military roles – helping with overseas aid, helping Australians in times of natural disasters and even supporting local events.
He then suggested that a prerequisite to receiving government benefits should be to have first spent a period of time in national service.
“The enormous amounts we are currently spending on welfare for young people could be better directed to funding a national service obligation,” Mr Lacey said to huge applause from the 200 people at the lunch.
Mr Lacey said Australia as a nation is failing to create meaningful employment opportunities for the next generation.
“Young people don’t want welfare, they want jobs.”
“Our so-called ‘leaders’ are simply failing our young people. And failing them big-time,” he said.
Mr Lacey said the growing tradition of taking a gap year after school would a great way for young people to spend time in national service. He suggested either a year-long or three-to-six-month program that begins with military training and is followed by community work, either locally, nationally, or internationally.
Since his presentation, Mr Lacey’s been amazed by the amount of support he’s received.
Ursula Bennett of Moruya contacted Fairfax to suggest taking the idea to our politicians.
“As parents of young people in rural and regional Australia we understand the challenges and difficulties faced by our young people when they consider their future careers as the possibility of having to leave their local area due to lack of training and work opportunities plays a large and daunting part of their choices,” she said.
“I would like to commend Mr Lacey for presenting such a well thought out proposal in which I can see much potential for the common good.
“I would like to see it taken to a round table among politicians and policy makers who could make this work with the greatest benefit for young people and communities alike.”