Roundtable brings youth issues to the fore

YOUNG people from the Geelong region flagged education and mental health as their key issues during a roundtable in Armstrong Creek earlier this month.

Federal Minister for Youth Dr Anne Aly and Corangamite federal member Libby Coker held the roundtable with 12 youth leaders at Ms Coker’s office with.

Dr Aly and Ms Coker said they were keen to hear what local young people believed were the top issues the federal government should address, along with how the government could best engage with the nation’s youth.

City of Greater Geelong Youth Council members Kirrily McConachy and Maximillian Thompson were among those at the roundtable.

Maxmillian said he welcomed the chance to speak with Ms Coker and the Minister in a relaxed, informal setting.

“They had a genuine interest in listening to our thoughts, ideas, and experiences and considered our voices on the things that are important to us

“It was exciting for the two of us [Youth Council Members] to share our thoughts on these important issues, along with helping Dr Aly understand how we believe the government could best connect with young people.

“We also really appreciate the opportunity to learn more about leadership in the community and the role that government plays in serving community members and addressing our concerns.”

Ms Coker said the roundtable discussion was an ideal opportunity for the region’s young leaders to raise their issues of importance.

“Too many young people feel disengaged with the political process – discussions like this one are about addressing that and ensuring young people across our region have a say.

“A lot of the discussion centred around the effect of COVID on education, mental health, and how young people cope in social settings – the minister and I took this feedback onboard

The discussion was a good opportunity for our local young people to speak directly with the minister and I to share their experiences and ideas.

“While the minister is meeting young people across the country, I believe that some of the ideas and concerns raised were unique to our region’s young leaders.”

The roundtable also promoted the National Youth Survey, which was launched earlier this year.

Open to young people aged 12-25, the survey will inform the government’s youth engagement strategy.

The survey has 15 optional questions, including four written questions and 11 multiple choice questions.

Young people are invited to participate in the online survey at youth.gov.au, or contact Ms Coker’s office for more information on how to get involved in future youth roundtable discussions.