On the 2nd of October the Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Youth, announced the establishment of the Australian Youth Forum (AYF). There will be a range of activities under the banner of the Australian Youth Forum:

1. Events and cctivities that directly seek the views of young people regarding Commonwealth Government policies.
2. Establishment of a National Youth Peak body - the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition - to facilitate the involvement of the youth sector.  The Commonwealth Government has committeed $400,000 annually over the next four years.
3. Dedicated funding for research support to ensure that decisions and actions are supported by solid evidence and best practice.

The AYF has been established with the following principles in mind:

• It should be relevant for all young Australians with diverse life experiences and needs.
• It should enable young Australians to become active citizens whose views matter, as the Government develops new approaches and policies.
• It must reach out to all young Australians, particularly those who are geographically isolated and socially disadvantaged.
• It has to be accessible and provide young Australians and the youth sector with the opportunity to express views and ideas in a range of ways and through a variety of channels.
• And there needs to be clearly defined feedback mechanisms to ensure that the ideas and views expressed are considered.

For more information have a look at:

• The website of the Australian Youth Forum - http://www.youth.gov.au/ayf/ .
• The Minister's speech at the Launch of the AYF  - http://tinyurl.com/3wwxz4.
• This Speech from Alan Wu , spokesperson for the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition, at the launch of the AYF - http://www.ayac.org.au/index.html.

---

Share this Page!