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Media Release
A BIGGER VOICE FOR AUSTRALIA'S YOUTH
K3704 29 April 1999
"Australian youth have more direct access to Government than ever before," said the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Dr David Kemp. Dr Kemp was commenting following the announcement that the lobby group Australian Youth Policy Action Coalition (AYPAC) would cease activities from June. "Young people are now seeking broader representation and access to government than can be provided by a single lobby group," said Dr Kemp. "Young Australians are diverse and it is important to have forms of representation which allow this diversity to be expressed. "The National Youth Roundtable, the government’s principal consultative body with youth, gives every young Australian the chance to represent their generation. "The first National Youth Roundtable, held in March this year, was a milestone in allowing 50 young people to express their views about a range of important issues directly to the Government. "Delegates are now working their ideas through community projects and consultations, as well as providing a constant source of advice to the Government. "I am looking forward to the next meeting later this year," said Dr Kemp. "On May 19 the winners of the first National Youth Media Awards will be announced. The Awards have been created by the Federal Government to recognise and celebrate the positive portrayal of young people and youth issues in the media. Nearly 900 entries have been received - an outstanding result - and I look forward to seeing some equally outstanding examples of journalism on the night." In another first, Commonwealth and State Youth Ministers announced last week that the first National Youth Week will be held in April 2000. "This will allow us to show in a coordinated way the wide range of positive activities and achievements that are part and parcel of young people’s lives around Australia," said Dr Kemp. "I encourage all organisations that work with young people to examine how they can contribute to the event." While not always properly acknowledged, Dr Kemp said young Australians were leading and achieving in every field imaginable, overcoming difficulties and preparing to take their place in a rapidly developing, exciting and challenging world. "It is important that we consult with, celebrate and acknowledge our young people as the vital asset that they are to the future of our nation."
Media contact: Samantha Herron or Peta Lane 0412 639 754 or 02 6277 7460
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