Young change-makers putting poverty on the election agenda

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS PUTTING POVERTY ON THE ELECTION AGENDA

28 May, 2016

From 24th-26th of June, Oaktree and Campaign for Australian Aid will be holding the Stakeout to

campaign for the lifesaving work of Australian aid and climate finance in the lead up to the federal

election.

Over 500 passionate young people will be campaigning in some of the most marginal electorates in

the country.

These young changemakers will be having thousands of conversations with voters, organising

creative actions and holding politicians to account. They will campaign for a stronger aid program

that responses to the injustices of poverty and puts people before politics.

CEO of Oaktree, Chris Wallace says the Stakeout will demonstrate that young people support a

generous and just Australia that acts on the injustices of poverty.

“We are at a history-making moment of the lowest ever Australian aid budget. This is not the history

young people want to be making. Now is the time to stand up for Australian aid, and call on our

political leaders to better reflect the values of this country,” Wallace said.

Head of Campaigns, Tim Lo Surdo describes the Stakeout as a platform to empower young people

a week out from the election.

“The three days of campaigning is a powerful opportunity for young people to have impact just

before the election by putting poverty on the political agenda. They will have access to workshops,

panels and plenaries run by some of the best changemakers in Australia,” Lo Surdo said.

As the nation’s largest youth organisation and dedicated to eradicating poverty, Oaktree is deeply

concerned about the future of Australian aid and climate finance.

Oaktree was founded in 2003 by Hugh Evans and Nic Mackay and since inception has led four

Roadtrip campaigns that have mobilised thousands of young people across Australia to support

action on poverty eradication.

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For media enquiries and to book an interview with a spokesperson from Oaktree, contact:

Natalie Liang, Media Manager, Oaktree +61 403 185 933, n.liang@oaktree.org