Victorians Asked What’s important to YOUth?

Victorians are invited to have their say on how young people should be supported by the Andrews Labor Government, with the launch of the What’s important to YOUth? discussion paper today.

Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos launched the discussion paper today, which forms the next stage in the Government’s consultations to shape its new youth policy framework.

It looks at issues confronting young Victorians like mental health, employment and education.

Once finalised, the new youth policy framework will improve outcomes for young Victorians, particularly those who are who are disadvantaged or disengaged.

The new framework will:

• Guide the development of policies and programs across government, and shape the way government engages with young people
• Identify new government actions to improve outcomes for young people
• Increase the focus on preventing problems and addressing problems early
• Support seamless pathways and transitions between school, training and work that supports young people to succeed at school, get a job and be connected to the community

Young Victorians, parents, families and carers, as well as community sector organisations, local councils and the private and philanthropic sectors are invited to get involved and have their say.

To view the discussion paper, make a submission or join in the What’s important to YOUth? online discussion visit consult.youthcentral.vic.gov.au

The release of the What’s important to YOUth? discussion paper follows online consultations as well as a youth reference group bringing together 18 diverse Victorian youth advocates chaired by Ms Mikakos.

In addition to the new Youth Policy Framework development the Labor Government provided $8 million in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget for programs that benefit and support young Victorians.

Quotes attributed to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos

“The new youth policy framework will guide how we as a government invest in services and develop policies that have a significant benefit for young Victorians.”

“It is important that we hear from as many people as possible to ensure the new youth policy reflects the experiences and opinions of young people living in communities right across Victoria.”