National Framework For Young Australians Welcomed

National Framework for Young Australians Welcomed

The national peak body for young people has welcomed the Government's announcement to develop a national strategy for young people.

The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition's Director, Meredith Turnbull understands
that the recently released report on the state of Australia's young people will be used by the Federal Government as a starting point for a comprehensive national conversation with young people and the youth sector about developing a National Strategy for Young Australians.

'We unequivocally support the Federal Government in its attempt to connect with
young people and those who work with them, with a view to developing a future
framework for Government about how young people can be best supported and
empowered within the community now and into the future'

'For too long young people have been left out of discussions about their rights,
needs and futures. Young people need to be at the centre of their national agenda and this nation strategy is a welcomed step in that direction' Ms. Turnbull said.

A National Strategy is a welcomed approach to recognise and celebrate the
things that are going well for young people and work with young people to deal
holistically with the range of challenges they face. In particular, high rates of mental illness, the over-representation of Indigenous young people in the youth justice system and high rates of young people who are homelessness require a holistic and committed response from governments.

AYAC encourages young people, youth sector workers and organisations to
participate in the national conversation process to ensure that the plan is truly representative and meets the needs of all young Australians.

'The National Plan for Young Australians should not just be about now. It must act as a broader framework that informs how government, the community and young people themselves will work to build an Australia community that we all want to live in'

'We look forward to working with the Federal Government on developing the
National Youth Agenda' Ms Turnbull said.


Media Contact
Meredith Turnbull
0437 880 010


SOURCE: Australian Youth Affairs Coalition