From the beginning of 1995, young people under 18 years of age will no longer be eligible for Job Search Allowance, the principal income support payment for the unemployed. Of the proposals affecting youth in the Federal Government's May 1994 White Paper 'Working Nation', this is perhaps the most striking aspect. There is, however, much more to this major policy statement. For a start, young people looking for work are not going to be deprived of income support. The White Paper included announcement of a number of changes to the level and nature of the assistance that will be available. The main purpose here is to describe the policy measures in the White Paper as they affect young people and also, in conclusion, to make some assessment of their overall significance for this group, in terms of labour market prospects and their meaning for young people's transitions to independence. Issues addressed include labour market assistance, closer integration of general and vocational education, expanding entry level training places, Youth Training Initiative, Youth Training Allowance, rates of payment, means testing, and rent assistance.