First meeting of the 2007 National Youth Roundtable

Minister for Community Services, Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion, today met with members of the 2007 National Youth Roundtable (Roundtable) in Canberra to hear first hand issues important to young people in Australia.

‘Today I had the privilege of meeting 46 young people, each of whom will provide a valuable insight into the views and needs of young Australians,’ Senator Scullion said.

‘These are leaders not only in the future but leaders in their communities now.

‘The Roundtable provides members, who are from metropolitan, regional and rural Australia, with the skills and leadership development opportunities to have a positive impact in their communities.

‘Over the next week, members will participate in workshops and prepare projects which will be presented to representatives of various government departments.

‘They have put up their hand to contribute to government policy and decision making and I will be taking every opportunity over the next 12 months to ask them what they think is needed and to seek the views from a younger persons perspective on government proposals.

‘This year, the Roundtable has been merged with the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Group, enabling Indigenous members greater opportunities to address issues affecting all young people, as well as encourage discussion on Indigenous specific topics.

‘Through their participation in the Roundtable, these young people will be able to learn from each other, as well as share their unique perspectives and ideas to make a difference in their communities.

‘In my first Roundtable as Minister responsible for Youth Affairs, I look forward to hearing the recommendations from Roundtable members later this year,’ Senator Scullion said.