Twenty-one young people have been appointed to the State’s third Victorian Youth Congress to provide a platform to work with decision-makers on the issues affecting them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the Minister for Youth, Ros Spence said the Congress announcement coincided with International Youth Day 2020 on Wednesday (12 August), which had the theme of ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’.
“Young people around the world are facing unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, affecting their schooling, employment and mental health,” Ms Spence said.
“The new Victorian Youth Congress will work with the Victorian Government to ensure young people’s voices are heard in decision-making on issues of importance to all young Victorians,” she said.
“The youth advisory group reflects our State’s great diversity, with young people from Aboriginal, LGBTIQ and multicultural communities, as well as young people living with disability.”
Ms Spence said the group included young people aged between 15 and 25 who hailed from rural, regional and metropolitan areas across the whole of Victoria.
“Young people are among the most affected by the coronavirus pandemic – so it is crucial they have a seat at the table on issues that are impacting their lives and futures.”
“This group of inspiring young people represent the diversity of Victoria and we can’t wait to hear their ideas and work with them to make sure their voices are heard across Government,” she said.
Further information on the Victorian Youth Congress can be accessed at this PS News link.
