Queen’s Birthday Honours: Member of the Order fighting for youth and better inclusion

DISABILITY and youth advocate Elizabeth Reid is among a select group of about 20 Territorians who have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours

Elizabeth Reid, YouthWorX NT executive officer, is being recognised with an AM for service to people with a disability, to youth, and to social inclusion. Picture Katrina Bridgeford

DISABILITY and youth advocate Elizabeth Reid is among a select group of about 20 Territorians who have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

The YouthWorX NT executive officer has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) today for her service to people with a disability, to youth and to social inclusion.

Despite dedicating about 30 years of her life to advocating for others, Ms Reid said she was completely surprised to get the top nod.

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“I’m incredibly honoured to be recognised for the work I’ve done in the past and will continue to do in the future to help people,” she said.

“I have spent my life advocating for those who have a limited or no voice and to ensure they have the same rights and freedoms as all Australians. It’s absolutely pivotal that all Australians, no matter where you come from, have a good life.”

Ms Reid said her work at YouthWorX had become more important than ever.

She said the number of young Territorians seeking their services had doubled since the COVID-19 restrictions were introduced.

Young people make up about 40 per cent of Australia’s casual workforce and were hit hardest by the COVID-19 economic downturn. “Many young people have lost their positions due to restrictions but we’ve been able to re-engage them in other roles,” she said

“Young Territorians are the employees of the future and they all have amazing dreams to contribute socially and economically.”

Ms Reid has also been the president of Physical Disability Australia since 2012 and chairwoman of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations since 2013.

She said there was a level of unmet need with the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS) in the NT that needs to be addressed.

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“The NDIS has done some great things for some people but we also need to acknowledge that there’s an unmet need within the community and we still have a little way to go,” she said. “I’m not going to say that it’s perfect but practitioners and service providers are doing the best they know how.”