National Youth Roundtable 2001 reports

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony today announced the distribution of the reports by members of the highly successful National Youth Roundtable 2001.

“The annual National Youth Roundtable brings together 50 young Australians to meet with government and discuss issues that concern them.

“The quality of the 59 reports is very impressive. We have identified several suggestions that can be acted on now, such as the development of a life-skills empowerment program for Indigenous youth and providing mentoring and peer support to combat bullying in schools.

“Some other ideas include increasing links between volunteer organisations and schools and greater mentor support for young Australians experiencing difficulties with literacy and numeracy.

“The 2001 reports have been distributed to Commonwealth and State Government Ministers and departments, youth and community organisations and is published on the Government’s youth website the source.

“I have urged my parliamentary colleagues to consider the recommendations from Roundtable 2001 when developing future policies. I have also asked them to advise me on their Department’s responses and actions to these recommendations.

“The Roundtable gives government a real insight into the issues that directly affect our young people. The ideas that come out of the Roundtable feed directly into policy development across various departments.

“As well as Roundtable members providing direct input to Government, many also go on to further influence Government decision-making through their participation in national and international forums and committees,” Mr Anthony said.