Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Youth Roundtable 2002 reports to Government

Reports by the 50 members of the National Youth Roundtable 2002 were released today by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony.

“These reports are the result of many months work and include many achievable suggestions. I have asked my Ministerial colleagues to carefully examine these reports and advise me where they can incorporate suggestions to make improvements for young people.

“Some suggestions are particularly outstanding this year, for example:

  • Rebecca Ebert from South Australia has recommended a Youth Help Page is included in every phone book in Australia detailing avenues of assistance for young people. I support Rebecca’s simple idea as well as her belief that this will go far to helping young people, particularly those at risk.
  • Erin Clark from Victoria has suggested the development of a “How to Start a Youth Council” resource. Erin’s work in this field will assist many other young people keen to have a say in their communities. I have committed my Department’s resources to publish a useful and informative online guide.
  • Julia Fetherstone, from the Australian Capital Territory, is setting up the National Environmental Education Council Youth Working Group in partnership with Environment Australia. It will involve young Australians in the development of environmental policy. This working group is due to meet for the first time in early 2003.
  • Inygaran Selveratnam from the Northern Territory has identified a need to better promote the educational capacity of the Australian Electoral Commission to young people. I think this is a great way to facilitate young people’s involvement in political processes and promote social awareness.
  • Chelsea Bond from Brisbane and Jonathan Jones from Sydney, have also achieved great successes with their projects, which both focus on the experiences of young urban Indigenous Australians and how they are perceived both within their Indigenous communities and the broader community.

“The Roundtable is a crucial tool for developing the skills of the young leaders in our community. Many of these young people will take away what they have learned and apply it in their local communities.

“I am greatly impressed with the ideas brought forward by all Roundtable members. The fresh and innovative ideas of Australia’s youth are pointers to our nation’s future and the Coalition Government is keen to see the results of the deeper exploration of the issues that the Roundtable process provides,” Mr Anthony said.

Reports will be available on the source web site.