Media Release by The Hon Sussan Ley MP

Indigenous Youth Given a Voice

This year’s National Indigenous Youth Leadership Group (NIYLG) is seeking comments from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people about the issues that affect them and their communities, to be included in a presentation to the Australian Government early next year.

The Parliamentary Secretary (Children and Youth Affairs), the Hon Sussan Ley, said the group had used its initiative to come up with a survey to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in looking toward their future and that of their communities.

“The NIYLG is made up of 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women aged between 18 and 24 from around the country,” Mrs Ley said.

“They were nominated due to their strong leadership skills, the significant achievements they have made in their lives and their involvement in the growth of their local communities.

“The aim of the group is for them to have an opportunity to discuss their experiences and perspectives about issues important to them with the Australian Government.”

In an effort to gain a broader cross section of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Australia, the group has created a survey, which will assist in collecting information about the issues and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth from different communities across the country.

The survey asks which issues affect the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in their local area and if there are any suggestions to address these issues. It will collect responses as to whether or not there are adequate programs or services available, the ways in which more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth can become involved and if there are any major issues the NIYLG should bring up with the Government.

“This is an ideal opportunity for this group to be able to advise the Australian Government on effective ways to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, to promote positive images of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and for them to develop leadership skills,” Mrs Ley concluded.

The survey is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged between 11 and 25 years on The Source website at www.thesource.gov.au or by calling 1800 624 309.