The NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Andrew Johnson, is asking schools to encourage suitable students to apply for the NSW Youth Advisory Council.  He is looking for young people who have the life experience, skills and qualifications to make a positive contribution to the work of the council.

The NSW Youth Advisory Council plays an important role in guiding NSW Government youth affairs. The Council meets regularly throughout the year to discuss a range of relevant topics, as well as monitoring and evaluating youth-related policies and legislation which affects young people. The functions of the Council include:

• advising the Minister for Multiculturalism, the Hon. John Ajaka, MLC, and the Advocate for Children and Young People on the planning, development, integration and implementation of government policies and programs concerning young people
• consulting with young people, community groups and government agencies on issues and policies concerning young people
• monitoring and evaluate legislation and government policies and programs concerning young people and recommend changes if required
• conducting forums, approved by the Minister, on issues of interest to young people
• collecting, analysing and providing the Minister and the Advocate of Children and Young People with information on issues and policies concerning young people.

The 12 member Council is made up of young people between the ages of 12 and 24, from all over the state and is broadly representative of the diversity of young people living in NSW.

Information and application forms for membership of the Youth Advisory Council are available on the Advocate for Children and Young People’s website at www.acyp.nsw.gov.au. Applications close at 5pm Monday 31 August.

For more information, contact:
The Advocate for Children and Young People
acyp@acyp.nsw.gov.au
(02) 9286 7231