Nominate now for the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Group

Nominations are now open for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across Australia to take part in the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Group (NIYLG) 2005-06.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Children and Youth Affairs, the Hon Sussan Ley, announced today that she is seeking nominations to join this group, which will present discussion findings to the Howard Government early next year.

“We’re looking for people interested in joining the NIYLG, who are willing to discuss their experiences and perspectives on issues important to them, and ways to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in their communities,” Mrs Ley said.

“The group will bring together 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women aged 18-24 years who are active in their communities and feel strongly about creating positive opportunities.

“The NIYLG was established by the Howard Government in response to recommendations by the National Youth Roundtable, and met for the first time in 2001.

“The Howard Government continues to support the members of previous NIYLGs to work for the benefit of their communities and to act as positive role models to other young people.

“For example, NIYLG 2004-05 developed and distributed a national survey to identify the issues most important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

“The results of the survey will be published and distributed to the Howard Government at Parliament House in June this year.

“Becoming a member of NIYLG 2005-06 is an ideal opportunity to be part of a group tasked with advising Government on effective ways to empower and promote positive images of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for them to develop leadership skills,” Mrs Ley said.

To nominate to become a member of NIYLG 2005-06, call 1800 624 309 (free call) or visit National Indigenous Youth Leadership Group website

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 13 May 2005.