A Strong Voice for Young Australians

Young Australians will be given a stronger voice in Government decision making with the establishment of the Australian Youth Forum and the Office for Youth.
The 2008-09 Budget provides $8 million over four years to establish the Australian Youth Forum. This makes a substantial investment in ongoing communication between young people, the youth sector and government and delivers on a key election commitment.
The current generation of Young Australians don't have to 'wait their turn' to participate in public debate and discussion. Building on the successful involvement of young people in the Youth and Australian 2020 Summits, the Australian Youth Forum will give young Australians the opportunity to express their view on issues affecting their lives today, and the big issues of the future.
The Australian Youth Forum will enable the Government to consult with all young Australians, including those who don't normally get a voice.
The Rudd Government is also establishing a new Office for Youth, which will also enable far greater focus on youth affairs across all Government portfolios. The Office will identify key issues impacting on the lives of young Australians and play a strategic policy role to ensure that the current 'generational divide' in opportunity doesn't widen further in the future.