Mick Young facts for kids

Michael Jerome Young (born 9 October 1936 – died 8 April 1996) was an important Australian politician. He was a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP). He became the party's National Secretary. Later, he served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1974 to 1988.

Mick Young was a senior minister in the government led by Bob Hawke. He was a well-known political figure in the 1970s and 1980s. From 1986 to 1988, he also served as the President of the Australian Labor Party.

Early Life and Work

Mick Young was born in Sydney, Australia. His parents were Irish Catholic. He went to school at Marist Brothers College in Mosman, a suburb of Sydney.

After finishing high school, Young worked as a shearer. A shearer is someone who shears sheep, removing their wool. He also worked as a roustabout, which is a general laborer. Later, he became an organizer for the Australian Workers' Union in South Australia. A union organizer helps workers join together to improve their working conditions.

Starting in Politics

In 1964, Mick Young was chosen to be the Labor Party's organizer for South Australia. He played a big part in the 1965 state election. This election was important because it was the first time Labor won in South Australia in 30 years. Frank Walsh became the Labor Premier.

Because of his success, Young became the Secretary of the state branch of the party in 1968. Then, in 1969, he became the Secretary of the federal party. During this time, Gough Whitlam, who was the Opposition Leader, hired Young as an adviser.

Young showed his strong campaign skills again in the 1972 Australian federal election. He helped the ALP win its first federal election since 1946. He came up with Labor's famous slogan, "It's Time." This slogan is still seen as one of the most successful in Australian political history.

Federal Politics Career

Many people thought Mick Young might become the leader of the Labor Party after Whitlam. He was chosen to run for the safe Labor seat of Port Adelaide. He was easily elected to parliament in the 1974 Australian federal election.

After the Labor Party lost badly in the 1975 election, Young was promoted. In 1976, he joined the shadow ministry. A shadow ministry is a group of opposition politicians who watch over government ministers. He was given the roles of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs.

Mick Young is remembered for keeping the Labor Party's spirits high. This was during their time in opposition from 1975 to 1983. Kim Beazley Jr., who later became a party leader, said Young was very good at challenging Liberal politicians. He described Young as "much funnier, but gentler as well."

After the Labor Party won a big victory in the 1983 Australian federal election, Young was appointed Special Minister of State. He also became Vice-President of the Executive Council for a short time.

Young faced some challenges during his time in government. He had to step down briefly in 1983 due to a security issue. However, he returned to his role five months later. In 1984, he had to step down again because of an issue with declaring a large stuffed Paddington Bear toy at Customs. He was later cleared of any wrongdoing by an official inquiry and returned to his position.

In February 1987, he became the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. He was also made Leader of the House of Representatives. This role helps manage the government's business in parliament. In July 1987, he became Minister for Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs. He also took on the role of Vice-President of the Executive Council again.

As Immigration Minister, he started a new practice. He held formal briefings for the press. This meant he would openly share information with journalists. He believed it was better to give them information directly than for them to find it elsewhere.

As a member of parliament, Young cared deeply about social justice. In 1984, during a big Labor Party meeting, he spoke out against uranium mining. He even invited anti-uranium mining activists to use his office. He also supported refugees and multiculturalism. He started an inquiry to improve immigration policies.

In 1987, Young faced questions about campaign funding during the 1987 Australian federal election. He resigned from parliament on 12 February 1988. This led to a special election in Port Adelaide. He was later cleared of any wrongdoing regarding the campaign funds.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving parliament, Mick Young worked as a lobbyist. A lobbyist tries to influence government decisions. He also led the Federal Government Multicultural Advisory Council. He completed a review for the Labor Party after the 1995 Queensland state election.

He continued to guide younger Labor politicians, like Kim Beazley. Beazley considered Young his best friend.

Mick Young passed away too soon in Sydney on 8 April 1996, from leukaemia. His death was a great loss for the Labor Party. His state funeral was attended by many people. An annual scholarship was created in his name. This scholarship helps disadvantaged children and adults continue their education.