Governments Urged to Listen to Young Peoples’ Opinions

The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) – a national Not for Profit body representing young people and the youth support sector – has called on Governments to listen to young people as the country heads into National Youth Week.

“The 2012 National Youth Week is a golden opportunity for Governments to show that that are willing to listen to young people and take decisive action on the issues that are important to them,” AYAC’s executive director, Andrew Cummings, said today.

“Young people have a right to have their perspective heard on any issue, not just ‘youth issues’.

“Young people are telling AYAC that they want to see more attention and commitment to issues they care about. This includes “closing the gap” for Australia’s indigenous young people, greater support in education for students with disabilities, better funding for rural and remote youth work, and marriage equality for gays and lesbians.

“We need to listen to young people and to learn about the type of world they wish to live in – the world they want to inherit,” Cummings said.

“A direct line to decision-makers and a platform for young people’s perspectives is essential.”

AYAC says the government has demonstrated its commitment to the aim of engaging young people effectively in government decision-making, both through funding AYAC as well as establishing the Australian Youth Forum program.

“AYAC’s vision is for an Australia in which young people are informed, empowered, encouraged and supported to participate in their communities. We believe that young people are experts in their own experience.”

“National Youth Week provides the perfect opportunity to show young people throughout Australia that we value their opinions and ideas,” Cummings said.

For more information go to http://www.ayac.org.au/