'Please sir I want some more' securing better pay and work conditions for youth workers in Australia

Recent youth sector workforce audits have revealed high staff turnover, critical skill shortages, service gaps and an increasing demand for youth services. Michael Emslie argues for better pay and conditions for youth workers as a way to address these concerns. Youth workers' pay is compared with general wage growth and the wages of those undertaking similar work, and a case is made for pay parity to attract and keep competent workers in the youth sector. It is also argued that such changes would help achieve various government policies designed to avert and respond to the impacts of the current global financial crisis, and create a more socially inclusive society and sustainable youth sector.