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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.