Australian Government - Australian Youth Forum

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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.

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.

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.