Youth Participation in Government

Better Practice

Providing opportunities for young people to participate in Government policy, programs and services that affect them is an important aspect of a representative and democratic society.

The NSW Government recognises best practice principles in youth participation.

We aim to:

• recognise young people's rights to participate in developing Government policy, programs and services that impact upon them
• promote respect by listening to young people's views and taking them seriously
• build and maintain strong relationships with the young people we consult with
• provide young people with appropriate and timely information on Government processes
• build on young people's knowledge and skills
  recognise young people's different situations and backgrounds, particularly those:
  • from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island backgrounds
  • from culturally diverse backgrounds
    with disabilities
  • in out-of-home care
  • from vulnerable or marginalised group
• organise participation processes that take into account the needs of young people, such as training and transport
• encourage young people to provide feedback on the effectiveness of participation processes.

NSW Government initiatives that support the participation of young people include:

• Youth Advisory Council: The Council, which is comprised of 12 young people aged 12 to 25 years, consults with young people, conducts forums on youth issues and provides advice to the Minister for Youth on issues of concern to young people.
• NSW Government Register for Boards and Committees: The register provides opportunities for young people who want to help make a difference by being part of the hundreds of government boards or committees that deal with almost every issue that the government manages. Information on the register is available though the NSW Government youth website www.youth.nsw.gov.au
• Commission for Children and Young People: The NSW Commission for Children and Young People is an independent organisation working with others to make NSW a better place for children and young people.
• TAKING PARTicipation seriously: This resource, produced by the Commission for Children and Young People, is for organisations who want practical advice about how to involve children and young people in activities, events and making decisions about issues that affect their lives.
• Student Representative Council network: All government secondary schools and most government primary schools in NSW have student-elected Student Representative Councils (SRCs). Each region has a SRC network made up of representatives from local schools. There is also an annual State SRC conference for student leaders, including Aboriginal student leaders, from across NSW. A NSW SRC meets five times a year and also consults with government and community groups.
• Community Relations Commissioners: The Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000 was amended in 2003 to reserve two positions on the Community Relations Commission for young people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
• www.youth.nsw.gov.au: The NSW Government's youth website provides a space for young people to give their opinions on a range of issues including government policy and youth service

Lead Agency and Further Help

The lead agency for the above is the Department of Community Services. However, your agency may have a policy and/or a person responsible. Refer to these first.

• NSW Youth Action Plan - Department of Community Services.