Many young people often wonder how young people have a say. So we have collected a list of the significant youth led councils or committes that have the ministers ear in each state and federally.
Consider applying to one of these bodies if you think you could do a good job representing young people. If that's a bit too full on your for you, it might pay to get in touch with some of those on the committee. Names are provided where available.
FEDERAL
The Steering Committee provides advocacy and advice on the Government’s engagement with youth. The committee is currently focused on making sure young people know how they can have their voices heard at the Federal Government level in the most effective way possible.
STATE
The Minister’s Youth Council (MYC) is made up of young South Australians aged between 12 and 25. The MYC provides advice to the South Australian Minister for Youth, giving a youth perspective on issues that affect young people.
The Ministerial Youth Advisory Committee is an official government committee made up of sixteen young people who provide advice to the Minister for Youth Affairs. They meet monthly to prepare presentations and recommendations to the minister, and present these at meetings with the minister four times a year.
The Queensland Youth Forum is a new program that brings together young people from across the state to share their views on key issues for young people and their communities.
The Youth Advisory Council advises the NSW Government on issues of concern to young people (aged 12-25) in NSW; Government policies relating to young people; and, Youth-related programs.
Western Australia's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of young people who are interested in the issues facing young people today - and want to do something about them.
The Youth Minister's Round Table of Young Territorians is a direct communication avenue between young Territorians and the Northern Territory Government. The Round Table consists of 16 members who are aged 15 to 25 years. Round Table members are representative of the geographic, cultural and ethnic diversity in the Northern Territory.