The youth sector landscape in Queensland is changing rapidly and the next couple of months will be the only opportunity for the youth sector to collectively have input into the future of youth programs in Queensland.
As you are probably aware, the most significant changes to the youth sector in decades are currently under way. There has been much change in Queensland this year which has impacted in various ways on the youth sector, however the current Youth Services Review is much broader and will no doubt have the most significant impact on services funded by the Department of Communities and Department of Education.
The Government has commenced consultations with the youth sector in regards to the Youth Services Review with a view to recommission all youth programs in the very near future. Time lines are incredibly tight and we might have less than two months to have any input before changes are made to various programs.
YANQ has spoken with the Minister for Communities as well as senior Departmental officers in regards to the role YANQ can play in this review. The Minister has made a committment to YANQ that she will genuinely listen and take on board the views of the youth sector in the review and recommissioning process. As a result, YANQ has organised youth sector forums in various parts of the state in the next 2-3 weeks. These consultations are specifically for the Non-Government youth sector, and will focus on the experience and needs of community based organisations. No State Government employees will be in attendance.
We urge all youth workers and youth service managers to attend these forums and help shape a collective response to the review and help shape the new youth sector landscape in Queensland. The forums will also be an opportunity to hear how YANQ is working with the youth sector across the state and the Queensland Government to ensure the review and forthcoming changes are informed by the full breadth of experience and evidence gathered by the sector over many years.
RSVP to Steve at admin@yanq.org.au or 3844 7713
Download the event flyer - click here