One hundred and twenty young Canberrans came together last week (25 June) to set their priorities for the future of Canberra.
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Yvette Berry said members of the ACT’s Youth Advisory Council facilitated the assembly, which featured discussions with Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jodie Griffiths-Cook and Executive Director of the ACT Youth Coalition, Justin Baker.
“I listened to their views on a range of topics, which we will now consider when developing the policies, programs and services that affect them,” Ms Berry said.
“I look forward to receiving the report with more in-depth information and recommendations,” she said.
Ms Berry said key topics addressed during the assembly included creating an inclusive society; environment and sustainability; resilience, rights and respectful relationships; and youth employment.
The Minister said participants explored what made an inclusive community with a focus on the key themes of safety, discrimination, culture and identity for young Canberrans.
She said the environment and sustainability forum explored how young people could be active in their community to contribute to a cleaner environment through better management of food waste; recycling; innovative transport options; and sustainable schools.
“Young Canberrans explored ideas around resilience, rights and respectful relationships, and the issues surrounding these concepts,” Ms Berry said.
She said the youth employment discussions centred on how to improve, promote and advocate for fair and respectful employment opportunities and conditions for young workers in the Territory.
Ms Berry said assembly participants hailed from a diverse range of backgrounds and abilities and included a mix of representatives from the public, Catholic, Independent and tertiary sectors.
