From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli

It is impossible to fathom how we came to this precarious pass. From an ethos when the world was the oyster-of-the-young, our youth, through no fault of their own, are now confronting with a less optimistic future. Technological development notwithstanding, the question has turned from, “what will I do?” to “what can I do?” The options are shrinking. The terrifying prospect of artificial intelligence looms like the sword of Damocles. It is collective reason to be profoundly alarmed.

In the United Kingdom, the Conservatives have proposed, as part of their 2024 election campaign, mandatory national service for all 18-year olds. The requirement would be to complete a one-year, full-time military placement; or volunteer, one weekend a month, of community service. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “I have a clear plan to address this, and secure our future. I will bring in a new model of national service to create a shared sense of purpose among our young people, and a renewed sense of pride in our country.”

While jingoism is not, in and of itself, the solution, a considered assessment of the audacious proposal does have merit. The predicament is a direct consequence of, and exponentially relative to, years of political inertia. Much time and money which should have been devoted to good governance has been expended on staying-in-power. The premise of the political life should not be to win elections, but to effect a difference. Service in the parliament is the highest calling, and it should be treated with respect and commitment.

The momentum of technological change has surprised even the most scientific of minds; however, the reaction from those best positioned to create a difference has been inadequate, and tardy. The voracious 24/7 media cycle, and a serious lack of long-term vision and political leadership, has led to a paucity in the pattern of Australia’s public policy debate.

The erstwhile prevailing traditions which followed as a matter-of-course, regardless of the Nation’s leadership or political opinion, have vanished. Disturbingly, our long-standing, free-education entitlements were illogically dismantled by elected officials, some of whom were themselves the beneficiary of the Nation’s munificence. The selfish error-in-judgement has resulted in challenges of gargantuan proportions — denying many a tertiary opportunity. Times have changed, dramatically; the social pendulum has moved, seismically. Frustration and rage prevail.

In 2011, The Economist reported, ‘a strong, active leadership must present a vision, not to be popular and score well in polls, but to pull people together to prepare for the long-term future of the nation’. That sentiment remains relevant, but particularly for our Nation’s youth, many of whom are worried for their future. Employment prospects have vanished.

A short-term fix is not the answer. Currently, it does not augur well. We are in imminent danger of losing a generation — possibly two. We need to hear the voice of the youth. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is 61. He is at his political zenith; however, he is only 10-years from passing the baton to the next generation. It happens to everyone. Now is the time to start listening to those who will follow in the wake.

They have an inalienable right to be heard!

Roland joins Brett Macdonald radio 3BA 10.45 Monday morning. Contact [email protected]