The debt trap !

Good news for those trapped in debt to the state government - and therefore condemned to a life of not being able to drive a car or enter a pub or club, despite being of legal age.

The State Debt Recovery office has a stranglehold on any hope of a normal life by barring those owing money to the government from holding a drivers license, registering a motor vehicle - or even acquiring a legal proof of age certificate, the sole requirement for entry into venues with an age restriction.

Lack of a driving license - or proof of age certificate - can be the deciding factor in obtaining a job, hence we often have the contradiction of the denial of one being the reason that repayment of the other is not possible.

This applies to young people who have amassed a debt by youthful indiscretion - travelling on trains without a ticket - riding a bicycle without a helmet - and similar offences.

The state is ruthless in trying to recover money owed to it, and in the process it often thwarts the offenders chances of getting a job, turning his or her life around and becoming a worthwhile citizen.

Now such people are being offered relief. It is possible to settle that debt by an arrangement with the State Debt Recovery office by undertaking training, volunteer work or counselling.

But - as with all such government initiatives - there is a major snag.

This is only available to under twenty-fives who are either homeless, mentally ill - or in acute financial hardship.

What about the thousands of young people who are not mentally ill, not homeless but the sons or daughters of parents who can't afford to help pay off their debts - and are still victims of the government debt trap which will deny them entry to the work force ?

Another good idea that got fatal limitations in the hands of the Mandarins - and which is badly in need of further thought !