Queenslanders aged between 12 and 25 years have been invited to participate in an engagement program to determine how the state government delivers for their future.
A new representative group will give 20 young people a direct say on the policies impacting them. The group will be charged with helping to co-design a new youth strategy for Queensland and provide community feedback to the government throughout a public-consultation process.
In a statement, youth affairs minister Meaghan Scanlon said the group gave young people a seat at the table to be heard by the government.
“Whether it’s jobs, cost of living, climate change, education, health, sport, consent or anything else that matters to you – this is the chance to speak directly with the government and help shape how Queensland responds,” Scanlon said.
“Queensland’s economic recovery will be driven by young Queenslanders. And it’s our government’s job to back them, to make sure they have access to a good education, skills, housing and the vital services they need.”
Members of the youth engagement strategy group will meet government representatives, understand how government works, and become part of the Office for Youth’s alumni for future opportunities. They will also get the chance to work alongside like-minded peers.
Young people with a strong understanding of the key issues currently facing their peers, and strong youth networks, have been urged to apply.
The government is also calling on individuals who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse, those living with disability, and from regional and remote regions in particular.
The minister said the government wanted to build on youth policy already underway, and would draw on the views of the representative group to do so.
“The government has invested in free TAFE for under-25s, another $320 million for the popular Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, action on climate change and school upgrades across Queensland,” Scanlon said.
“But we want to build on this. And importantly, we want young people to have a direct say in how their government does that.
Successful applicants will need to commit to attend online meetings between July 2022 and February 2023, with delegated tasks to be delivered virtually via email and video calls.
Nominations to be involved in the youth engagement strategy group will be accepted until COB 1 July, 2022.
Applicants will need to submit a nomination form a brief statement responding to key selection criteria.
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