Beginning with the re-establishment of the youth portfolio and the appointment of the first Minister for Youth since the abolition of the position under the previous government, the Prime Minister has made it clear that this Government is committed is taking a fresh new approach to working with and for young people.
The Minister for Youth, the Hon Kate Ellis MP, will lead the Government’s efforts to re-shape the national youth affairs agenda and re-focus attention at the highest levels on the important issues and needs of young Australians.
Following on from the success of the Australia 2020 Youth Summit in April 2008 and the completion of public consultations about the best model for the Australian Youth Forum, the establishment of the Australian Government Office for Youth is the latest signal to young people that the Australian Government is honouring its commitment to work with and for young people and re-invigorate youth affairs at the national level.
The Office for Youth will work across Government to bring a youth specific focus and drive a concentrated, coordinated approach to policies, programs and services which affect young people.
The Office is founded on guiding principles that:
- recognise the importance young people have to Australian life;
- understand the diversity of young people’s life circumstances; and
- acknowledge the challenges and opportunities that are unique to this generation.