Something You Call Unique

These are some questions from the study guide that accompanied the film when it was distributed into schools -

- Which way do you think the pendulum is swinging?
- What does David Eldridge (Crossroads) mean by his statement, "I like the notion of inter- relationships, we all depend on each whether we want to accept that or not"?
- In the final interview an ex-street kid, Glenda says, "love is more important than anything". Comment.
- What image did you have about homeless youth before you watched the video?
- What qualities about them did the program bring out?
- What are the most common causes of youth homelessness?
- What is Bob Hawke talking about when he says "This is the essence of a social justice strategy in times of fiscal restraint"?
- Does "alienated youth" have a right to be angry and take that anger out on themselves or other people?
- Do you agree with Julian Disney (President, ACOSS) that "we will reap the whirlwind" if we go the same way as Thatcher's England?
- David Connolly (Shadow Minister Social Security: says that the community is expected to carry the cost of parents who don't do their job. Comment.
- Are homeless young people just "lazy dole bludgers" or are they victims -  "totally disconnected from the community"?
- What impression do you get of life on the streets? What are the dangers, especially for girls?
- How dependent on welfare are they? What might happen if it was taken away?
- Why does the public have misinformation about survival on the streets?
- Is youth homelessness just a lack of housing?
- What is the role of a crisis center?
- Why is medium and long term accommodation so important?
- How is the vicious cycle of transcience and rootlessness best broken?- Why is ongoing support better than shuffling kids from one program to another?
- Why is work such a key issue?
- List some of the common attitudes to work and the dole from those on both sides.
- What does professor Michael Porter mean by "full employment is illegal in Australia"?
- Do you think work schemes are sheltered workshops and that market forces should prevail?
- Describe who you think Julian Disney is referring to when he talks about the "wets" and the "drys" of welfare?
- In what way is welfare in general under threat in the present economic and political climate?
- Are agencies like crossroads a "soft option" for kids? What do you feel about their long term approach and reluctance to kick kids out?
- Why is it so important for the wider community to get involved in an issue like youth homelessness?
- What does Julian Disney mean by his statement that, "social justice marches hand in hand with the enlightened analysis of economics"?
- How does Disney argue that we have become more polarised economically in Australia?
- How is welfare a buffer?
- What is the place for decency and compassion in social justice questions?
- Do you think Australian socials policy has been dangling precariously in the middle ground during the 80's?