Australian Government - Australian Youth Forum

• AYF news

News

News and Events

New Topic! Climate Change – 1 March 2010

It is vital that young Australians have their opinions on climate change heard, so let us know what you think.

Have your say in Launceston – 26 February 2010

Minister for Youth, the Hon Kate Ellis MP, is inviting young people to discuss violence and safety as well as local issues at the AYF Outreach event in Launceston, Tasmania.

Date:
Wednesday 3 March 2010

Location:
Launceston Tramshed Function Centre and Auditorium
Inveresk Rail Yards
4 Invermay Road
Launceston, Tasmania

Time:
Registration from 8:30am to 9:00am
Discussions will run from 9:00am to 11:00am

Light refreshments will be served from 8:30am.

To RSVP:
SMS 0434 664 631 or email AYF@deewr.gov.au by 12:00 noon Monday 1 March.

New Topic! Volunteering – 19 February 2010

The Government would like your views on how we can inspire more young people to volunteer and how best to support you in your volunteering activities.

Let us know your thoughts.

Classification of Computer games R18+ - Public Consultation now open - 9 February 2010

Do you think computer games should include a R18+ classification?

The Australian Government wants to know if you think the categories of the National Classification Scheme should include an R18+ classification for computer games. A discussion paper is available on the Attorney General’s website that briefly summarises the key arguments for and against an R 18+ classification.

If you are interested in providing input go to the Attorney-General’s website for further details.

You’ll need to be quick - submissions close on 28 February 2010.

Meet the Heywire winners – 28 January 2010

Heywire is a space for young people, aged 16-22, who live outside Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide or Perth, to create and share their stories, ideas and opinions.

Heywire winners have now been announced via the Heywire website and with a CD of radio stories.

2010 Children’s Law Awards – Nominations are now open – 19 January 2010

Do you know an organisation or an individual who does amazing work representing, advocating or raising awareness of children or young people’s legal rights?

The National Children’s and Youth Law Centre (NCYLC) is seeking nominations for the 2010 Children’s Law Awards.

Nominations are sought in the following Award categories:

1. The National Award for Outstanding Legal Representation of the Rights and Interests of Children and Young People

2. The National Award for Outstanding Advocacy in Policy or Law Reform to Advance the Legal Rights and Interests of Children and Young People

3. The Media Award for Raising Awareness of Important Children’s Legal Rights Issues.

The Attorney General, the Honourable Robert McClelland MP, will present the awards on Friday 16 April 2010, during National Youth Week.

Further information and the application form are available on the NCYLC website.

Nominations close on Friday 19 February 2010.

New Topic! Consultation on the Indigenous Education Action Plan - 14 January 2010

By contributing your ideas, Education Ministers can benefit from your knowledge and experiences to make sure they put in place practical strategies that can achieve a closing of the gaps between Indigenous Australians and other Australians.

Let us know your thoughts.

National Youth Week ‘ourspace’ Launch Competition – 8 January 2010

Put your space on the map! You have the opportunity to win a National Youth Week Launch Event in your home town.

To find out more visit the National Youth Week website.

youTHINK: live & online - 5 January 2010

Watch the footage from the nationally webcasted event held on 12 November hosted by the Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth.

Visit the youTHINK page for more details or view the footage now.

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) Survey - 4 January 2010

If you’re aged 16-24 and live in Australia, the Drug Policy Modelling Program at the University of New South Wales is interested in your views on the way media reports on drug issues - balanced - biased - misleading - whatever?

Visit the drug media survey website to participate in their online survey.

AYF Vox Pops

Find out what young people across Australia had to say on three important issues: street violence, employment and job security and binge drinking.

To watch the videos visit the Vox Pops page.

Learning or earning: New education and training requirements for 15 to 24 year olds

All governments in Australia have agreed to a Compact with Young Australians, which comprises a National Youth Participation (‘learn or earn’) Requirement for under 17 year olds; an entitlement to education or training places for 15 to 24 year olds; and changes to Youth Allowance (Other) and Family Tax Benefit (Part A) for young people aged under 21 without Year 12 or an equivalent qualification, making education and training a precondition for income support.

For more details, visit the Compact with Young Australians page on the DEEWR website.

New Topic! Apprenticeships and Trades Training – 16 November 2009

New Topic! Apprenticeships and Trades Training opportunities for young people. We want to know your thoughts on the AYF ideas Board.

youTHINK: live & online – 12 November 2009

The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth, today hosted a live forum with young people at the Telstra Experience Centre, Sydney. The forum was also webcasted nationally. More information is on the youTHINK page.

Online Community Youth Spaces – 12 November 2009

The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth, today announced that young people in their own community will be able to create and manage their own Online Community Youth Space.

They will be able to develop their creative, technical and management skills and apply them in a project that encourages youth community involvement. Their website will be a local youth community-building tool, providing a guide to community events and an online youth forum.

Applications are now open for the 2010 Australian Youth Representative Position! – 28 October 2009

Each year since 1999 the United Nations Youth Association and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has chosen one young Australian to be the Youth Representative in Australia's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

In 2010, this could be you!

The Australian Youth Representative is responsible for representing the views and interests of Australian young people to the United Nations.

The Australian Youth Representative will have the amazing opportunity to journey around Australia to further understand the depth and breadth of the opinions of young Australians, before travelling to the Australian Mission. Once in New York they will work in the UN as a fully accredited member of the Australian Delegation, working closely with Australian diplomatic personnel. They will also work with fellow Youth Representatives from other Member States to advance the youth agenda and meet with UN staff to formulate new projects for young people around the world!

Young Australians between the age of 15 and 24 are strongly encouraged to apply for this exciting position! Applications will close on the 2nd of November, 2009.

For more information and to apply, go to United Nations Youth Association of Australia website.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reserves the right to withdraw the Youth Representative position at any time.

National Conversation’s focus on rural and regional youth - 23 October 2009

The Hon Tony Burke, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is encouraging young Australians living in rural and regional areas to join the National Conversation. You can read Minister Burkes blog and details of activities arranged between 22 to 28 October on the National Conversation ‘What’s going on' page.

Prime Minister’s Australian Youth Forum (AYF) Challenge - 22 October 2009

On 22 October 2009 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Minister for Youth Kate Ellis launched a new national competition, The Prime Minister’s Australian Youth Forum (AYF) Challenge, to generate innovative ideas about how young people can mobilise and better connect with their local communities.

Launch of the National Conversation – 22 October 2009

The National Conversation was launched simultaneously by the Prime Minister, hosting an online forum at Parliament House, and Minister Ellis in person at the Lyneham High School in Canberra. More information is on the ‘We Hear You’ page.

Giving Young People a Vote – 23 September 2009

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet released the second Electoral Reform Green Paper - Strengthening Australia’s Democracy (the Paper).

The Paper is available for download at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet website. The website also includes information on how to make submissions and participate in the on-line discussion forum to be held from 9–13 November 2009.

Inspire Foundation – Reaching out - 15 October 2009

On 7 August 2009, two young cyclists started out from the Gold Coast to undertake an epic unassisted ride of 15,500km. For five months Nic Cuthbert and Matthew Sladden will be circumnavigating mainland Australia, stopping in towns and cities all along the coast to promote the Inspire Foundation's work with young people through the ReachOut.com. Talking to school groups, community leaders and the general public along the way, they aim to raise the profile of the youth suicide prevention and mental health support provided through Reach Out.

You can follow their journey at AusYouthCycle, and if you're a young person in need of support, consider stopping by ReachOut.com.

New Topic! The Next Big Question – 13 October 2009

Your opportunity to think big and be innovative – we want to know whatever issue matters most to you.

The AYF is hosting this discussion forum in collaboration with Australia21; an independent, non-profit organisation which researches issues of strategic importance to Australians in the 21st century.

What is the next big question facing Australia?

Improving Young People's Access to Health Care - 28 September 2009

You are invited to participate in the online research project, SHOUT (Sexual Health Online Using Telemedicine), based at the University of Melbourne.

Should there be access to sexual health care services on the telephone or over a webcam on the computer, or just in person? Which would you prefer? What is the best way to talk to doctors about sexual health matters?

You can completing the online questionnaire at the SHOUT website and should take 10-15 minutes.

The questionnaire is for all people living in Australia aged 16 to 24, regardless of sexual experience.

Outreach - Reports published - 1 October 2009

Reports from the four AYF Outreach events, hosted by the Hon Kate Ellis, MP, Minister for Early Childhood, Childcare and Youth, have been published.

Outreach events were held in:

Launceston,Tasmania

Devonport, Tasmania

Sale, Victoria

Bankstown, NSW

You can read the reports on the ‘We Hear You’ page.

PM launches youth blog – 11 September 2009

The Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, has opened his blog to discuss youth issues. The Government is currently developing a plan for Young Australians and the Prime Minister wants to hear from you about what matters most – at home, at school, at work, online and out in the community.

This is a great opportunity to put your views directly to the Prime Minister, tell him what you would do if you were the Prime Minister for a day to make things better for young Australians.

YouTHINK – Report published - 7 September 2009

Earlier this year over 600 young people from all around Australia contributed their views on two important issues facing young Australians, ‘Violence and Safety’ and ‘Contributing to our Democracy’.

The outcomes from the youTHINK events and supporting ‘Host your own Forum’ events are now available on the AYF website.

Visit youTHINK to access the report.

Applications for 2009-10 Youth Engagement Steering Committee – open now! – 7 September 2009

The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth has opened applications for the 2009-10 Youth Engagement Steering Committee.

A position on the Steering Committee will provide you the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of the Australian Youth Forum (AYF), gain an insight into the working of the government, promote the AYF at events and be involved in discussions that are important to young people.

This role requires you to be an active participant in the Steering Committee. This involves participating in meetings, developing and contributing to reports and acting as an AYF ambassador at events and within your community.

Interested? Detailed information about the AYF and the application process is available on the Steering Committee page. Applications close midnight Friday 2 October 2009.

***Deadline extended – Applications now close midnight Monday 5 October 2009.

New Topic – Gambling what do youTHINK - 04 September 2009

Gambling is considered by many as entertainment; an enjoyable ‘flutter’ or trying your luck with a few dollars on the pokies, but beyond the entertainment value gambling encompasses a range of complex social and economic issues.

The Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to conduct an inquiry into gambling. The Commission is keen to make sure the views and experience of young people are included.

Share your views on our Ideas Board.

If you have an idea for a future discussion topic, you can let us know via our feedback form.

Your ideas – Global Poverty discussion – 19 August 2009

Violence and Safety - A report on youTHINK findings and website discussions has been released on the AYF website. This report includes the ideas you submitted at youTHINK forums, via the online forum or through Host your Own Forums.

The Hon Kate Ellis, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth has requested the House Standing Committee on Family, Community, Youth and Housing to report on the impact of violence on young Australians.

12 August 2009

To mark International Youth Day on 12 August, Minister Ellis addressed the National Press Club in Canberra.

In her address, Minister Ellis released some early findings coming from the upcoming State of Australia’s Young People report and reviewed the achievements of the Australian Government in the Youth portfolio over the last year.

Visit youth.gov.au for more information on these achievements.

You can find more information about Minister Ellis' address in the media release or you can read a transcript of the speech. (PDF 91KB | RTF 376KB)

Your ideas – Global Poverty discussion – 30 July 2009

A summary of the ideas and suggestions you contributed to the Global Poverty discussion is now available.

The summary and your posts have been sent to the Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare and Youth, for consideration. Her response will be published on the AYF website.

The AYF supports the Global Poverty Project

1.4 Billion Reasons

'1.4 Billion Reasons' is a 90 minute presentation developed by the Global Poverty Project, which clearly details the facts of extreme poverty and demonstrates the simple changes everyone can make to be a part of the solution.

The Global Poverty Project aims to engage with individuals on various actions to address extreme poverty and to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

The AYF supports the goals of the Global Poverty Project and we would like to encourage you all to keep an eye out as they bring ‘1.4 Billion Reasons’ to communities all around the country. For more information on the Global Poverty Project, and '1.4 Billion Reasons', please visit the Global Poverty Project website.

New Youth Allowance - Fairer Support for More Students

The new arrangements will benefit metropolitan students, as well as students in regional and rural areas. It will particularly benefit students who have to move away from home to study, rural and regional students, and students from low socio-economic background.

More information, including Fact Sheets and a Student Assistance Estimator, is available on the DEEWR website.

Nominations for Young Australian of the Year now open

The AYF is proud to sponsor the Young Australian of the Year awards, and nominations for the Award are now open.

The Young Australian of the Year Award recognises and celebrates the achievements of young Australians who make us proud.

All Australians can take the opportunity to nominate someone for Young Australian of the Year, and you could help find the next award recipients by nominating someone you find inspirational.

Nominating is simple – nominate online at www.australianoftheyear.org.au, or call 1300 655 193 for more information. Nominations close on Monday 31 August 2009.

New Topic - youTHINK: Your Say

03-07-09

It's your chance to participate in the AYF's latest youTHINK:Your Say event!

On 30 June 2009 the Australian Youth Forum (AYF) in partnership with The Salvation Army hosted youTHINK:Your Say.

Over 1000 young people in more than 30 locations across the country discussed 4 topics:

• the impact of the Global Recession on young people;
• access to government services;
• finding somewhere to live; and
• what is the Compact with young Australians?

Now this is your chance to put forward your views on these topics …

Read the press release

Are you a Young Inventor?

Here's an opportunity to showcase your most innovative idea.

The ABC’s New Inventors program wants you for their special edition of Australia’s best young inventors in early July.

Travel expenses and accommodation in Sydney will be provided. You must have a working prototype to be eligible.

You could win the Young Inventors Bright Spark Award and receive $8,000 worth of development support from CSIRO, IP Australia, AusTrade and AusIndustry.

Get your application in by the end of June - takes only 5 minutes to fill in the Bright Sparks application form on the ABC's New Inventors' website.

New Topic - Youth at Work

24-06-09

When you start your first job, your rights and responsibilities in the workplace can be a bit of a mystery.

The Government is developing a Young Workers’ Toolkit, so we want to hear your experiences – good and bad – at work.

Keen to share? - Visit our Ideas Board.

If you have an idea for a future discussion topic, you can let us know via our feedback form.
 

Mission Australia Survey

Aged 11-24 years? You have an opportunity to comment on a range of important issues, visit the Mission Australia survey.

This is Mission Australia's 8th annual National Survey of Young Australians - about 45,500 young people participated last year. The survey is open until Friday 26 June.

The survey results will be published in a report, which is anticipated to be released in November. Previous reports are available.

AYF Outreach - Sale, Victoria

An Australian Youth Forum (AYF) Outreach event was held in Sale, Victoria on Saturday 30th May. The Minister for Youth, the Hon Kate Ellis MP, opened the floor to young people from the Gippsland region.

Read more about this AYF Outreach event

Report from the 2008-09 AYF Youth Engagement Steering Committee

03-06-09

The AYF Youth Engagement Steering Committee has released a report on their role and activities to date. Read the Steering Committee Report.

AYF Outreach events in Launceston and Devonport

The Minister for Youth, the Hon Kate Ellis MP, hosted the first Australian Youth Forum (AYF) Outreach events in Launceston and Devonport, Tasmania.

Read more...

Announcement of more youth events

15-05-09

Thank you for taking the time to visit the Australian Youth Forum (AYF). Since the AYF was launched on 2 October 2008, the input from young Australians through the AYF website, the AYF Steering Committee and the first national youTHINK event has been overwhelming.

This is the reason the Australian Government established the AYF in the first place – to directly engage with young Australians about the issues that affect them and their communities.

Many of the ideas suggested by young Australians are already influencing Australian Government policy. For example, the Government is considering a national approach to addressing violence using some of the great ideas from youTHINK – like the role and behaviour of authority figures, the need for better awareness among young people about the causes and consequences of violence and the link between violence and alcohol.

Also, the ideas from the ‘Contributing to our Democracy’ discussion have been submitted to the Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner, who is responsible for the Government’s plans to make our electoral system more relevant and accessible to all Australians – including young people.

The AYF is now moving beyond just large scale events – and starting to engage young Australians about the issues that affect them and their communities. There are a number of AYF outreach events being held over the next few months. AYF outreach events are scheduled to take place at:

- Launceston (TAS) on Tuesday 19 May,
- Devonport (TAS) on Wednesday 20 May,
- Sale (VIC) on Saturday 30 May, and
- Bankstown (NSW) on Wednesday 10 June.

The AYF will also be holding a national event on Tuesday 30 June in partnership with the Salvation Army. This event involves discussions held in more than 40 locations across Australia, with focal activities taking place in Melbourne. Around 1,000 young Australians are expected to make their contributions on the four themes of: youth homelessness, the impact of the global recession on young people, the Compact with Young Australians, and access to government services. It is shaping up to be a great event.

Please keep visiting the AYF website for more information about upcoming AYF activities.

AYF Outreach events in Launceston and Devonport

15-05-09

Minister for Youth, the Hon Kate Ellis MP, has announced two Australian Youth Forum (AYF) Outreach events taking place in Launceston on 19 May 2009 and in Devonport on 20 May 2009.

Ms Ellis is holding the outreach forums to connect with young people and to engage with young people on local community concerns.

At these forums, employment and jobs, and violence and safety will be discussed.

Event Details:

Launceston: 1pm-3pm Tuesday 19 May 2009 at Launceston College, 107-119 Paterson Street, Launceston

Devonport: 9.30am-11.30am Wednesday 20 May 2009 at East Devonport Recreational Centre, Caroline Street, East Devonport

If you would like to attend the Launceston event, please contact: Wendy Newton Ph (03) 6323 3327 or email wendy.newton@launceston.tas.gov.au by 12 noon on Monday 18 May, 2009

Registrations have closed for the Devonport event

Budget News - 'What's in it for Youth?'

15-05-09

The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Youth, has released 'What’s in it for Youth?' - a quick guide to youth 2009-10 Budget and other relevant measures.

Video messages and transcripts from Treasurer, Wayne Swan and the Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis are available at www.youth.gov.au.

Check out 'What’s In It for Youth?' to find out how this budget affects young people.

New topic for discussion - Binge Drinking

Binge Drinking is the new discussion topic for the Australian Youth Forum (AYF) Ideas Board.

Discussions on ‘Violence and Safety’ at the inaugural Australian Youth Forum (AYF) event youTHINK, held on 20 February 2009, showed that young people consider alcohol abuse to be one of the main causes of violence in public places.

The Australian Government is concerned about alcohol abuse by young people – particularly when it develops into a culture of binge drinking.

Have your say on Binge Drinking on the AYF Ideas Board.

Don’t forget, if you have an idea for a future discussion topic, you can let us know through our Discussion Idea Page.

Ministers' response to your submissions - Bullying & Body Image

01-04-09

The Minister has considered your input on 'Bullying' and 'Body Image', which ran as Ideas Board topics from 2 October to 13 December and 16 January 2008, respectively. Thank you to everyone who posted ideas.

Its great to see young people wanting to take part and communicate with the Australian Government on these issues.

You've demonstrated that these issues were important to you, your friends and the community. The Ministers' Reponses are located on the We Hear You page.

Have you say on the new Ideas Board topic of Global Poverty.

New topic for discussion - Global Poverty

25-03-09

The Australian Youth Forum (AYF) has a new discussion topic on 'Global Poverty'. Many people told us that they would like to discuss global poverty and the Millennium Development Goals through the AYF Ideas Boards.

Thanks to those who contributed to the discussion topics of 'Violence and Safety', 'Contributing to Democracy' and 'Human Rights'. These boards are now closed and the Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis MP, will be taking a look at all the ideas, views and opinions. Feedback and analysis will be made available through the AYF website.

Input on the 'Violence and Safety' and 'Contributing to Democracy' topics will be combined with the views collected during the national youTHINK forum that was held on 20 February 2009. Feedback on this event will be available soon. In the meantime you can read the Steering Committee's reflection on youTHINK and view the photo gallery.

Your views on 'Human Rights' will be provided as an AYF submission to the Attorney-General's National Human Rights Consultation. The AYF Human Rights submission will be made available through the AYF website. If you would like to make your own submission as part of the consultations, please visit the Attorney Generals website at www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au.

Don’t forget, if you have an idea for a future discussion topic, you can let us know through our email form.

Body Image Advisory Group announced

The Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, announced the membership of the new National Advisory Group on Body Image at their first meeting in Sydney on Tuesday, 3 March.

The Advisory Group will be chaired by former magazine editor Mia Freedman and members include model and media identity Sarah Murdoch, Girlfriend magazine editor Sarah Cornish, founder of the Butterfly Foundation, Claire Vickery and body image researcher Susan Paxton.

The establishment of the Advisory Group comes two months after the topic was discussed here on the AYF site. This discussion and the establishment of the Advisory Group shows the Australian Government’s commitment to this important issue.

“Young Australians are telling us loud and clear that they are concerned about negative body image and the impact that it has on them, their friends and the community,” said Ms Ellis.

You can view the Minister’s media release announcing the Advisory Group on the Ministers Media Centre website.

Youth access to legal advice goes online

Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, launched Youthlaw Online on 6 March 2009. Youthlaw Online has been developed provide young people in Victoria with greater access to legal advice. It uses real-time video and document sharing capabilities to help young people across Victoria consult with lawyers based at Youthlaw’s Melbourne office.

For more information, please see the media release on the Attorney Generals website.

New topic now available

16-01-09

Firstly, a big thank you to all those people who contributed to the Bullying ideas board; we really appreciate you sharing your experiences and thoughts on this topic. The Minister for Youth’s response and what action the Australian Government is currently taking on this issue will be available on We hear you soon.

The new discussion topic is Human Rights. This topic was high on the list of suggestions for future topics, for both the AYF Youth Engagement Steering Committee and for many website users. 

Human rights are not just theoretical; they affect every one of us, every day, which is why the Australian Government is interested in what you have to say.  As well as providing your views to the AYF, you will be contributing to the Government’s National Human Rights Consultation process. So, share your views or check out what other young people think; go to Have a say.

Don’t forget, if you have an idea for a future discussion topic, you can let us know through this email form.

Also – stay tuned to the website for more information on ‘youTHINK’ - the first ever AYF event to be held simultaneously across ten locations around the country on 20 February 2009.

New ideas board coming soon

The Bullying ideas board will come to an end this week, so a new topic for discussion will be opening soon. Stay tuned for the announcement of the next topic!

There has been such a great response to the initial topics and some really good suggestions have been made. A summary of all the ideas and suggestions received through the Bullying ideas board, as well as the next steps, will be provided on the We hear you page shortly.

Don't forget, if you have an idea for a future discussion topic, you can let us know through this email form.

Also, keep checking this page for news on how to be involved in the inaugural AYF national forum to be held on 20 February 2009.

Ministerial Statement on the AYF

On 16th October 2008, the Hon Kate Ellis, Minister for Youth, presented a Ministerial Statement to Parliament on the Australian Youth Forum. This statement shows the Australian Government's commitment to meaningful and ongoing communication with young people. Read the full statement available in both PDF RTF.

Australian Youth Forum launched

A new chapter in conversation between the Australian Government and the youth of the nation kicked off on 2 October 2008, with the launch of the Australian Youth Forum (AYF) by the Honourable Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Youth.

The AYF provides all young Australians with a way to offer their ideas and perspectives on important issues. It incorporates face-to-face public forums, this interactive website which includes ideas discussion boards and information exchanges, and an outreach component to bring the discussion to young people all over Australia.

"We know that young people are grappling with all sorts of issues today which are unlike those faced by previous generations. With the establishment of the AYF, our Government is giving young people a seat at the table and new opportunities to get involved in public discussion about issues that matter to them," Ms Ellis said.

Over 150 people attended the launch at the Nexus Multicultural Arts Centre in Adelaide. Robbie Buck, of Triple J’s Morning Show was MC for the day, and entertainment was provided by young up and coming band [is]. [is] were the winners of Triple J’s ‘Unearthed High’ competition which gives high school students the opportunity to get their original track recorded and played on Triple J.

The Prime Minister, the Honourable Kevin Rudd MP, lent his support to the AYF via a video message, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to involving young Australian’s in policy development and decision making processes.

Ms Ellis was joined at the launch by the 11 young people who make up the Youth Engagement Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will guide the work and future activities of the AYF and advise the Government about the best ways of involving young people who face obstacles to participation.

The launch of the AYF was well received by the young people and youth sector representatives in attendance, and feedback in relation to the launch and the AYF in general has so far been very positive.

You can see a video of the launch at the top of this page, or get involved in the AYF through Have a Say.

Australian Youth Forum launched

A new chapter in conversation between the Australian Government and the youth of the nation kicked off today, with the launch of the Australian Youth Forum by the Honourable Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Youth.

A wrap up of the launch will be provided here soon. You can get involved in the Australian Youth Forum right now.

Videos