Page 2277 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 23 June 2010
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The young people’s plan was also developed in close consultation with young people, the community and youth services. The ideas and opinions of young people expressed in over 400 surveys and submissions and 10 forums shaped the development of the young people’s plan. We know from listening to young people what they value, the issues they are interested in and what concerns them. Five key priority areas were identified: health, wellbeing and support; families and communities; participation and access; transitions and pathways; and environment and sustainability.
Since 2002, the government has regularly engaged with children and young people through the Youth InterACT strategy. The Youth InterACT strategy encourages them to have their say about youth issues in Canberra and to be actively involved in their communities and with government.
The Youth Advisory Council consists of up to 15 young people aged 12 to 25 from diverse backgrounds. The council’s role is to provide me with direct advice on matters pertaining to young people. Over the last 12 months the council has held a number of forums and shortly, on 27 July, it will be holding a forum on youth homelessness.
A measure of success of this government’s engagement with children and young people is true youth participation, and this government recognises the importance of engaging children and young people. As Minister for Children and Young People, I thank the children and youth of the ACT for their active participation, interest and engagement in the ongoing development of the ACT community.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Porter?
MS PORTER: Minister, you launched the children’s plan last Friday. Can you please advise the Assembly on key elements of the plan and how it will benefit young Canberrans?
MS BURCH: I thank Ms Porter for her question. Indeed, last year we started the process of consulting with children, families and the community to ensure the plan remains relevant and current and taking into consideration best practice and the latest research. Last week I launched a revised and updated children’s plan based on this work.
Children were at the centre of the launch and are at the centre of the plan. The revised plan identifies six building blocks required to build a child-friendly city. The first building block provides for the opportunity for children to influence decisions about their lives, their communities and to actively participate.
At the launch, we heard some of the children’s ideas about what was important to them, such as clean and safe parks to play and walk and keeping connected to family and friends. Children have important things to say, and the plan promotes children’s active and ongoing age-appropriate participation in matters that affect their lives.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Mr Doszpot?
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