Have a say

The Australian Curriculum – Technologies

The new Technologies curriculum

Why do you think the Technologies subject is important at school?

Is learning about agriculture, design, digital technologies, engineering and food technologies useful in your day-to-day life?

How can the Technologies curriculum stay up to date with the rapid changes of technology in our world?

Well, the Technology subjects are open for discussion and this is your chance to have a say on what should be included...
Join the discussion »

The Australian Curriculum – Health and Physical Education

The new Health and Physical Education curriculum

Do you think learning about Health and Physical Education at school is important?

Is learning about healthy eating habits, sexual health and how to be physically active and staying fit important in your day to day life?

Well, the Health and Physical Education subject is up for discussion and this is your chance to have a say on what will be included in the new Health and Physical Education Australian...
Join the discussion »

Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2010

In 2011, the AYF hosted an online discussion seeking the views of young people on a range of issues relating to marriage equality. We also invited young people to share their views on marriage equality at National Youth Week 2011.

On 8 February 2012, the Senate referred the Marriage...
See what was said »

Gift cards in the Australian market

Have you ever given or received a gift card?

It is estimated that $1.5 billion worth of gift cards were purchased in Australia in the 2009-2010 financial year. Gift cards are a popular choice for their ease and convenience. However, there are some concerns                                                                                                                         ...
See what was said »

Community Engagement: What does it take for you to get involved?

There are over 3.7 million young people in Australia; this is a pretty big reason why young people should have their say on policy and programs that will impact them now and in the future.

Mental Health and Workforce Participation

In July, we heard views from young people on the topic of mental health. The AYF now wants to hear more.

This time, we are focusing on participation in education, training and employment of young people who live with                                                                                                                         ...
See what was said »

Help shape the future of Australian arts, culture and creative industries.

A creative nation is a productive nation. Do you agree?

There is strong evidence that fostering the creativity of young people will build a strong and resilient population.

The Australian Government through the Office for the Arts is seeking your views on the new National Cultural Policy. The National Cultural Policy                                                                                                                         ...
See what was said »

Mobile Matters: Your phone experiences

Feel like you’re spending too much on your mobile phone and not getting enough in return?

Had a problem with big bills, bad service or confusing plans?

Take part in this groundbreaking new project to tell the phone companies and the government about your experiences as a mobile phone customer and help make mobile services better for young people in Australia.
Over the last 7 months, Year 11 and 12 students from...
See what was said »

Australian Census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will be conducting the next Census of Population and Housing on Tuesday, 9 August 2011.

The Census provides a ‘snapshot’ of Australia every five years – it provides important information to help plan for our future. The Census counts every person in Australian on Census night, adults and kids. Only foreign diplomats and their families are excluded.

The Census is your chance to be heard. The information collected is used by decision...
See what was said »

Australian Apprenticeships

Australian Apprenticeships (often referred to as apprenticeships or traineeships) offer an opportunity for young people to work and learn. At last count, there were 440 700 apprentices and trainees in the Australian Apprenticeships system. Over half the apprentices and trainees are 24 years of age or younger. This is why it is important to hear the views of young people when considering how the Australian Apprenticeships system could be improved.

The Australian Government recently...
See what was said »

Young Refugees

2011 marks the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, a milestone in the recognition of the rights of people displaced by persecution and in the development of an international human rights framework.

The University of NSW Centre for Refugee Research, together with key refugee advocates and practitioners is convening the 2011 Refugee Conference to mark this anniversary. The Conference will...
See what was said »

Mental Health

Mental Health and Young Australians - Did you know?

Did you know that one in four young people, aged 16–24, will experience a mental health-related disorder, including substance abuse related issues, in any given year in Australia?

The Australian Government is very concerned about all Australians and the issue of mental health and on 11 May 2011 announced that additional funding of $1.5 billion over five years would be provided for further National Mental Health Reform...
See what was said »

Celebrating Australia Day

Australia Day is held on 26 January each year; it’s a day to celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian.

While the National Australia Day Council looks after major events including the Australian of the Year Awards; across Australia community groups organise over 780 events.

Members of the AYF Youth Engagement Steering Committee will be presenting at the upcoming Australia Day National Conference on how young Australians can be involved in their community on Australia...
See what was said »

Marriage Equality

The Australian Youth Forum (AYF) wants to know what you think about marriage equality.

Countries including Canada, Spain and South Africa allow same-sex couples to marry - is there similar support in the Australian community? Are the current laws around marriage in touch with Australia’s socially inclusive society or is marriage an institution that reflects the traditions that our community upholds?

Federal Ministers have been asked to gain feedback from their constituents on...
See what was said »

Cyber Bullying

The AYF wants to know what you have to say about cyber-bullying. Have you been a victim or a bully? Share your online experiences, your concerns and ideas to make your online world safer.

Your feedback will be submitted to The Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety.

The internet is an integral part of young people's lives; but being active online brings risks, like cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking and identity theft....
See what was said »

Review of Funding for Schooling

Ever wanted to have your say on the way schools are funded in Australia? Well now is your chance.

The Australian Government has appointed a panel to conduct a Review of Funding for Schooling. The review will identify a new funding model for schools, that is fair and provides all students with the best chance of reaching their full potential.

A large part of the panel’s work in understanding the issues facing the schooling...
See what was said »

How do natural disasters affect young people?

The Australian Youth Forum wants to make sure your voice is heard as the Australian Government helps disaster relief efforts across the country.

So, tell us what practical things the Australian Government can do to assist you?

Should Indigenous Australians be recognised in the constitution?

The Australian Constitution is the foundation document of Australia’s system of government, but doesn’t currently recognise Indigenous Australians.

As announced by Prime Minister Gillard, on 8 November 2010, recognising Indigenous Australians in the Constitution is an important step in Australia’s journey towards closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The Expert Panel is made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians from a broad cross-section...
See what was said »

Can you help us close the gap?

The Australian Government is looking at ways to close the gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. To do this, the Government has drafted a strategy which provides a pathway for Indigenous people to have the same opportunities as all Australians.

Read more about this topic or click below to comment now.

How should Australia commemorate the Anzac centenary?

Australia has a long history in commemorating the service and sacrifice of our military personnel. Between 2014 and 2018, Australia will commemorate not only the 100th anniversary of World War I, but a century of service by Australian servicemen and women in all wars, conflicts and peace operations since. These have included battles like those on the Western Front, the Kokoda Track, the Coral Sea, and later, Kapyong and Long Tan. More recently, Australians have assisted the international...
See what was said »

Disability Care and Support

The Productivity Commission is examining how the current system of disability services might be replaced with a new national disability care and support scheme.

Previous reviews of services for people with disability have identified issues relating to levels of support, and that the system doesn’t take account of the needs of young people with disability, particularly when those needs are often changing quickly.

The Commission wants to know how to build a better system. They would...
See what was said »

Enrolling to Vote

The 2010 federal election date has now been announced and hopefully most young people, over the age of 18, are enrolled and ready to vote on election day, Saturday 21 August 2010.