The NCYLC was a visible and vocal critic of the decision to entrench Youth Wages as part of the national industrial relations system, having the effect of permanently entrenching wage discrimination on the basis of age in the workplace. Additionally, the NCYLC made public comment on the proposed second wave Workplace Relations Bill.
Aside from this, the Centre has conducted a campaign targeting workplace violence against young people, with the support of WorkCover NSW.
The NCYLC has identified the vulnerability of young people in the workforce as a major priority issue.
The development of an appropriate model for a youth drug court in NSW has been a subject of considerable concern for a number of community organisations, youth specific organisations, welfare groups and community health organisations. In December 2000, the NCYLC participated in a Community Consultation Forum organised by the Youth Drug Court Interagency Management Group. The Centre prepared a submission to the Interagency Management Group expressing its concerns; further follow-up and consultation was undertaken through the Youth Justice Coalition.
In January 2000, the NSW Attorney-General's Department announced a review of the law concerning the age of criminal responsibility, and particularly the doli incapax principle, questioning its appropriateness for 12- to 14-year-olds.
The NCYLC assisted in the formation of an alliance of organisations opposed to any changes. Further, the Centre was contracted by the NSW Children's Commission to prepare a detailed advice on the issues of age and criminal responsibility being reviewed. This paper was circulated extensively across community legal centres, youth organisations, peak youth bodies, and the legal profession. The NCYLC has been involved in briefing meetings with parliamentarians, as well as receiving in excess of 20 media requests on the issue.