Media Release: National Youth Forum empowering young people to create change

17 March 2024

THE HON DR ANNE ALY MP

Minister for Early Childhood Education

Member for Youth

 

More than 110 young people from across Australia will descend on Canberra this week to design and present policy solutions at the Albanese Government’s National Youth Forum.  

During the Forum, participants will tackle topics that matter to young people including cost of living, climate change and mental health – directly providing their ideas and solutions to federal government departments and agencies. 

Minister for Youth Dr Anne Aly said the Forum will give young people a real opportunity to help design solutions to issues that affect their lives. 

“The Youth Forum is collaboration between young people and the Australian Government to discuss issues, and importantly find solutions,” Dr Aly said. 

“Young people have a lot to offer and it’s important for governments to recognise this and to work with young people to build a better future for us all.” 

The policy solutions created by young people at the Forum will be provided to Government to be considered in future policy development.

The topics were identified as the top priorities for young Australians, through the Government’s national youth consultations, which last year heard from more than 4,600 young people around the country. 

Aged 14 to 25, participants come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of experiences to the Forum. 

This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, participants from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, experience of mental ill-health, participants from regional or remote communities, migrants, young parents, participants with experience of being a carer, participants from LGBTQIA+ communities and participants with disability. 

The National Youth Forum will be held on Wednesday 20 March, in Canberra. 

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