The Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, today launched the Australian Government’s Office for Youth, re-affirming the Rudd Government’s commitment to Australia’s young people.
The establishment of the Office, a Rudd Government election commitment, was announced in this year’s Federal Budget and represents an important step in the Government’s reform agenda.
“This Government is acutely aware of the complex challenges facing young Australians. On issues such as housing affordability, the costs of getting an education, drug and alcohol issues, climate change, body image and mental health issues, there is a generational divide when comparing the experiences of today’s youth to those of previous generations.” Ms Ellis said.
“The Office for Youth equips the Government to apply specific focus and attention to the particular issues facing young people across all portfolios.”
There are 2.7 million Australians aged between 15 and 24 years, representing 13.6 per cent of the population. It is a formative and crucial stage of life that poses unique challenges and opportunities.
“It is vital that we do all we can to ensure young Australians reach their full potential and that the most effective policies, programs and services are in place to respond to their specific life circumstances and needs,” Ms Ellis said.
The Office for Youth will identify key issues impacting on the lives of young Australians and play a strategic policy advice role to ensure that they are given the best opportunities now and in the future.
Situated within the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Office will provide support and advice to other government agencies to help them better engage with young people. The new Office is one of a number of important steps in the Australian Government’s youth affairs reform agenda.
The 2008-09 Budget also provided $8 million over four years to establish the Australian Youth Forum. Building on the involvement of young people in the Youth and Australian 2020 Summits, the Forum will give young Australians the opportunity to engage with the Government about issues affecting their lives today and the big issues of the future.
“We are listening to young people to get their take on the issues as well as inviting their input on how best to respond. Combining a new framework for youth engagement with the expertise and capacity of the new Office, this Government is strongly committed to making a real difference in the lives of Australia’s youth,” Ms Ellis said.
For more information about the new Office for Youth, visit www.officeforyouth.deewr.gov.au.