This episode we get to know a bit more about Western Waka Waka man, 21 year old university student and teacher aide, Jordan Hall, who is the Greens Candidate for Forde.
Jordan tells us what drives their campaigning to create a better future for all. Jordan laments on the pressure placed on the shoulders of young people in order to compete for jobs in the shadow of capitalism and how difficult it is for young people to keep focused on a clear view for the future while carrying that burden on their shoulders. The burden is complex including:
- The cost of higher education including university and TAFE in order to compete for a job that earns enough money to afford the soaring costs of living
- The privatisation of education and training which is to maximise the profits for educational facilities but therefore puts further financial burden on the person needing employment and training ie young people
- The fear of the effects of Climate Change for young people and what this means for how young people will experience their world in the future
- Whether young people will ever be able to buy a house in their futures or even have stable housing
- Flattened tax brackets which has created wealth inequality across Australia and less money available for publicly funded social services for young people
- Five times greater funding for private schools than public schools – again creating unequal opportunity for those who can afford private schooling
Jordan explains how climate change is the most important Greens policy platform and comes above all else.
They believe young leaders of the future will be able to help mitigate the effects of climate change in the future for rich countries but there will be differences in how badly people are affected according to level of wealth.
We also discussed ideas for change in the schooling system. Jordan believes our national curriculum is in need of improvement for young people, as well as how we measure outcomes. Jordan thinks our whole schooling system may need an overhaul, possibly looking at overseas systems for direction.
They believe people should vote for them because they actually care about the things they talk about and wants young people to have a better future.
Jordan’s 3 Big Ideas:
- Climate Action
- Workers Rights and Protections, Raised Minimum Wage
- Social Justice for minority groups eg Trans People are currently not being treated equally
Beyond the Rona Podcast is recorded in Logan, Queensland on Yuggera country. We acknowledge the traditional owners past and present.