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The Albanese Government is taking steps to give young people more opportunities to shape Australia’s future.
Minister for Youth Dr Anne Aly launched Engage! A strategy to include young people in the decisions we make, at the Albanese Government’s first annual National Youth Forum.
Shaped by the Government’s Youth Steering Committee and informed by consultation with more than 4,600 young people from across Australia, Engage! sets out how young people will be able to have their say on issues and contribute to policies that impact them.
Through the National Youth Consultations young people provided direct advice on how they want to connect with government programs and services and how they would like to be involved in government decision-making.
Engage! incudes a range of actions that directly responds to this feedback. The actions include a new digital youth hub – a website with resources for young people to help them connect with government and access the information and support they need.
Additionally, the Government’s successful Youth Steering Committee and Youth Advisory Group programs will continue, and a National Youth Forum will be held each year – providing young people with multiple opportunities to have their say on policy development.
Under Engage! the Government will also deliver two annual grant programs, helping First Nations young people and marginalised young people including those from rural, regional and remote communities, build their capacity to engage with government.
“Engage! will ensure young people are empowered, valued, and included in the development of policies and programs that impact them,” Dr Aly said.
“Through the National Youth Consultations we heard from thousands of young people who made it clear – young people want to be included in government decision-making.
“Engage! is our promise to young people right around Australia, you will be genuinely engaged and consulted and your important contributions will help shape government policies.
“While empowering young people to engage with government, we’ll also be improving the way government works with young people.
“We’re introducing a range of measures to ensure young people are being heard, and your opinions are making a difference.”
The Government’s first annual National Youth Forum is being held in Canberra today, bringing more than 110 young people together from across Australia to design and present policy solutions on topics that matter to young people.
Engage! delivers on the Albanese Government’s election commitment to provide young people with strong and formalised engagement in government and policy making.
Building on work already under way, Engage! is an important step in restoring the trust young people have in government after a decade of being ignored by the Coalition.
Learn more about Engage! A strategy to include young people in the decisions we make at youth.gov.au.
Federal Member for Robertson, Doctor Gordon Reid MP said:
“I welcome the news by the Federal Labor Government and Minister Aly about the launch of Engage!
“Consulting young people on the issues that are important to them will strengthen our communities and make our country and democracy stronger.
“I look forward to young people from the Central Coast taking part in this outstanding opportunity and encourage them to get in touch with my office for any support”, Dr Reid said.
