Call for young people in the Gascoyne to represent young Australians

Monday, 3 October 2011

Young people in the Gascoyne region have the opportunity to represent young Western Australians on an influential committee which drives public debate and connects with the community on youth issues.

Senator Louise Pratt today encouraged young people in the Gascoyne to apply for a position on the Youth Engagement Steering Committee for the 2012 Australian Youth Forum, with applications open until 31 October 2011.

“This is a great opportunity for Western Australian young people to get involved in ongoing public debate about issues that affect the lives of young Australians.

“Through the Australian Youth Forum, young people can inform government policies through contributing their ideas and adding a youth perspective to issues of importance.

“Not only will members be providing advice to Government, they will be devising ways of involving more young people in decision making.

“We have had a terrific Western Australian young woman, Jasmine Bedford, on the Australian Youth Forum for the past year who has provided an important WA perspective. Her contribution shows that it is vital to hear from more WA young people.

“The young people take part in a number of face-to-face meetings throughout the year and engage in regular teleconferences with other members of the steering committee,” Senator Pratt said.

The forum was established in 2008 as a formal communication channel between the Australian Government, young people (aged 15-24) and the youth sector.

More than 11,000 young people have been involved in Australian Youth Forum activities since it began, and the forum website has hosted 38 discussion topics and over 7,100 posts and votes.

The current Chair of the Australian Youth Forum Steering Committee Tahlia Azaria said the forum offers young people opportunities to have their voices heard.

“If you're passionate about something affecting your community or you're really serious about a particular issue that you think needs Government attention, the Australian Youth Forum is the place to get your opinion heard,” Ms Azaria said.

Minister for Youth Peter Garrett said there will be 10 young people on the 2012 committee, all aged under 24 and from all over Australia.

“The Australian Youth Forum is about bringing young people and Government closer together,” Mr Garrett said.

The Australian Youth Forum supports a range of initiatives such as the Young Australian of the Year Award, the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition and the National Awards for Local Government.

Applications are open from today and close midnight, 31 October 2011. For more information visit www.youth.gov.au/ayf 

Media contact: Senator Pratt's office 08 9225 4411

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