The Department of Communities has developed two new funding initiatives for Western Australian young people
Speaking at the State of the Youth Sector Forum, Minister for Youth, Dave Kelly said that for the first time a dedicated advocacy body for young LGBTIQA+ people would receive funding.
“The new advocacy body for young LGBTIQA+ people will be established through the Youth Advisory Council of Western Australia, and it will aim to improve understanding of young LGBTIQA+ people’s needs by Government and by service providers,” Mr Kelly said.
“Its focus will be on policy advice and analysis, education, awareness-raising and building connections within the State Government and in the broader community. It will also advise the Minister for Youth on LGBTIQA+ youth matters.”
He said that also for the first time, members of the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council, established in 2017, would be remunerated for their services.
The Council is comprised of up to 12 young people, aged 15 to 25 years, who draw upon their relevant knowledge, experience and skills to help inform policy and services for young people in Western Australia.
Mr Kelly said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council had been an invaluable source of information for the Government, informing it of the effects the pandemic had on young people.
“Members from the Council sat on the COVID-19 Ministerial Youth Roundtable and were able to contribute to solutions that would assist young people on the road to recovery,” the Minister said.
“This year has been incredibly hard for young people in WA and across the world, with the COVID-19 pandemic having had a major impact on their health, education, training and employment.”
He said WA youth now, more than ever, needed to feel they were part of society and were heard, and that their specific needs were considered in any pandemic recovery plan.
Nominations for new members of the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council will open later this year with a new Council expected to convene in 2021. Members can join the Council for a 12-month term, with a possible second-year extension.
