Released 25/06/2021
One hundred and twenty young Canberrans have come together today at the ACT Youth Assembly 2021 to set their priorities for the future of our city.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry
This is a great opportunity for young Canberrans to have their voices heard.
I listened to their views on a range of topics, which we will now consider when developing the policies, programs and services that affect them. I look forward to receiving the report with more in-depth information and recommendations.
Members of the ACT’s Youth Advisory Council facilitated the assembly, which also featured discussions with Children and Young People Commissioner Ms Jodie Griffiths-Cook and Executive Director of the ACT Youth Coalition Dr Justin Baker.
Participants hailed from a diverse range of backgrounds and abilities and included a mix of representatives from the public, Catholic, Independent, and tertiary sectors with students as young as 12.
The key topics at this year’s assembly included:
- Inclusive society – participants explored what makes an inclusive community with the key themes of safety, discrimination, culture and identity for young Canberrans.
- Environment and sustainability – this forum explored how young people can be active in their community to contribute to a safer, cleaner environment on issues such as better management of food waste, recycling, innovative transport options, and sustainable schools.
- Resilience, rights and respectful relationships – young Canberrans explored ideas around resilience, rights, and respectful relationships and the issues surrounding these concepts.
- Youth employment –discussions centred on how to improve, promote and advocate for fair and respectful employment opportunities and conditions for young workers in the ACT. The groups identifying key issues that affect young people when looking for, or during employment, and establishing effective strategies and avenues young people can utilise when facing these issues.
Quote attributable to ANU student Varshini Viswanath
This was my first time attending the Youth Assembly and it was beyond what I had imagined. It is such an empowering moment to be able to sit in a room with other young people and talk about the issues that impact us every day.
I wasn’t aware of events like these than can help youth make political recommendations which is the hall mark of the democracy. More events like these will only empower future leaders.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases