Young Australians to play vital role in Albanese Government

The Albanese Government is ensuring young Australians have a say on the issues that matter to them, with the establishment of the Youth Steering Committee.

Minister for Youth, Dr Anne Aly said the Committee will drive the development of a new Youth Engagement Model, creating meaningful opportunities for young Australians to have a say on Australian Government policies and programs.

Dr Aly said the Committee will ensure the Engagement Model is developed for youth by youth.

"The Committee members bring a diverse range of life experiences to their roles, ensuring young people from all backgrounds have their voices heard on a wide range of issues," said Dr Aly.

"Young Australians are uniquely placed to tell us about the problems they are facing and to shape solutions that actually work for them.

"Young people make up more than 15 per cent of our population, it's important we don't paint them with one brush of being young or disengaged or only caring about one issue.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the committee, learning about their stories, and hearing their ideas for Australia.

"A government that not only works for young people but also with them, will be far more effective - delivering a better future for all of us."

The Committee is made up of 15 young people from across Australia, including from regional, rural and remote areas. The application process targeted young people from a range of backgrounds and with different experiences.

People from LGBTIQA+ communities, First Nations people, young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and diverse religious backgrounds, along with young Australians with lived experiences of disability, caring responsibilities and mental ill-health are all represented on the committee.

More than 1,200 applications were received from 12 to 25 year-olds across Australia, a strong indication of the significant interest young Australian's have in engaging in the decisions that impact their lives.

To ensure Australian youth will have their voices heard on the issues that matter to them, the Albanese Government is investing $10.5 million for the new Youth Engagement Model. This funding will help establish the Office for Youth and five Youth Advisory Groups to work directly with government agencies.

The Office for Youth will be a dedicated unit within government to feed in the contributions from young people to improve and harmonise policies across government.

The Youth Steering Committee's first meeting will take place on 21-23 November in Canberra, with support from the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC).