Victorian Young Liberals call to reinstate national service

A former Victorian premier has backed calls to reinstate national service to teach youth “discipline” and “respect for command”. Have your say in our poll.

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett has backed calls to reinstate national service

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett has backed fresh calls from the Victorian Young Liberals to reinstate national service.

Kennett, who was one of thousands of young men to be conscripted in the 60s, told the Sunday Herald Sun “people should all commit two years of their life to the community”.

“The beauty of national service, if done properly, is that it takes people out of their environment,” he said.

“Whether that be in the police force, ambulance service, conservation or overseas … the learnings from serving your country are profound.”

The former premier said he believed compulsory service would teach Australia’s youth “discipline” and “respect for command”.

“There’s not much respect for the office of the prime minister or the opposition these days,” he said.

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett (bottom right) as a Scotch College cadet in a class photo in the 1960s.

Kennett’s comments come as a new Victorian Young Liberals executive prepares to revive the bold idea within the Liberal Party at the upcoming 170th State Council.

George Mihailidis, 21, believes reintroducing compulsory service to country – more than 50 years after it was disbanded – is exactly what young people like himself need.

“National Service is about giving back to our country and instilling a sense of national pride and identity,” he said.

“It would equip young Australians with a range of valuable skills and experiences that are transferable to the workforce.”

The law student, who drives the YL’s policy development, said sending school leavers to work in essential industries for 12 months would likely reduce the number of Australians on unemployment benefits.

“It also has the potential to mitigate welfare dependency among young Australians by affording them the opportunity to acquire skills and work experience,” he said.

Under the proposal, school leavers could be deployed in a range of jobs, including being sent to the Australian Peace Corps and the Australian Defence Force.

Other opportunities could include volunteering in the disability or aged care sector, or as a spare pair of hands on environmental projects.

About 85 countries across the world still have national service, including Israel, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland and Norway.

Mr Mihailidis hopes the plan would also drive interest in funding for military programs, research and development in defence technologies.

Former Liberal Senator Eric Abetz, who represented Tasmania for almost 30 years and is now leading the Vote No Republic campaign, has also thrown his support behind the idea, calling it “a true win-win”.

The veteran Liberal said national service could replace gap year’s which are currently very “self focused”.

“In giving to one’s nation there will come a greater respect and commitment to its welfare and wellbeing.”

Originally published as Victorian Young Liberals call to reinstate national service