New Democracy Project's Final Report is Hot off the Press

Regular It's Time readers will be aware that the Whitlam Institute and the UWS Office of University Engagement, supported by the Foundation for Young Australians, have been working with young people throughout 2008 to imagine a new democracy.

This work seems to have excited a few imaginations. There appears to be a growing interest in the question of young people's political participation. The Obama phenomenon - the general sense of his ground breaking campaigning and appeal to younger voters - is partly responsible. However, our experience suggests that the interest goes much deeper than electoral participation to encompass civic engagement and the very structures of our political institutions.

This is evident in what young people have been telling us. It is rumbling across the media and, just as importantly, our political leaders and policy makers are themselves taking a direct interest.

The Imagining a New Democracy project is due for release in early May, so do keep an eye on the Whitlam Institute website where you’ll be able to download a copy free. If you’d like a hard copy then you can buy online or ring our office.