How does the AYF work?
This diagram represents the AYF as it is now.
The AYF is about engaging young people (aged 15 – 24) and the organisations that support them (the youth sector) in ongoing public discussion and getting their input into policy and decision making on issues that affect young people’s lives.
It is based on the idea that “young people are the best experts on young people’s lives” and “young people provide unique perspectives and innovative ideas that should be harnessed in making key decisions now and into the future.”
So, the AYF will focus on involving young people in direct communication with the Government through a number of initiatives, including this website, forums, , outreach visits by the Minister and a Youth Engagement Steering Committee.
Forums will be a series of meetings that occur simultaneously around Australia, including in regional areas, with outcomes and recommendations being shared between forums. The first forum is planned to take place in February 2009.
Forums will be advertised on this website, through the media and a range of existing youth networks, organisations and through word of mouth. There will be information out soon on how you can register to attend a forum in your state/territory.
The website provides opportunities for all young people, to share their ideas and thoughts on issues of importance to them and to their community and country. So, you can be part of it, regardless of who you are or where you live.
Spread the word about this website to your mates because we want as many young people to know about it as possible.
Young people living in remote and regional areas will have an opportunity to meet with the Minister for Youth in their own communities through local gatherings, forums and discussions.
The Youth Engagement Steering Committee, made up of 11 young people, will provide advice to the Minister on the development of the AYF and future youth engagement activities, propose issues for discussion at forums, advice on the website and will provide feedback to the Minister on how the AYF is going.
For more information on the Steering Committee members and their role go to the Steering Committee page.
A key aspect of the AYF will be the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC), which is a non-government national youth peak. The Australian Government will provide funding for AYAC, which will be a dedicated, resourced body to promote the interests of young people and the organisations that support them.
Funding will also be provided to support research needs of the AYF and the youth peak specifically.
