What youth sector ecosystem does Australia need?
Young people are increasingly recognised as important contributors to the policies, decisions and systems that shape their lives. Across Australia, young people are invited to participate in consultations, advisory groups, co-design processes and other forms of engagement. While this represents important progress, meaningful participation requires more than simply creating opportunities for young people to be heard. It requires young people to have genuine influence over decision-making, priorities and resource allocation.
From Youth Voice to Influence is a national discussion paper developed by the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia (MYAN) and the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC). The paper explores how Australia can move from consultation towards more meaningful forms of youth participation, including genuine partnership, shared decision-making and systems change.
The discussion paper examines key questions about youth participation, influence and leadership, and considers what is needed to strengthen Australia’s youth sector ecosystem. It invites reflection on the role of governments, organisations, communities and national youth peak bodies in creating the conditions for young people to not only contribute their perspectives, but actively shape outcomes.
To support this conversation, MYAN and AYAC are inviting young people, youth workers, community organisations, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to participate in a national survey.
The survey seeks feedback on:
- How young people can have greater influence over decision-making;
- What Australia needs from a strong and effective youth sector ecosystem;
- The role of national youth peak bodies in supporting young people and the sector; and
- Priorities for future advocacy, policy development and sector leadership.
The insights gathered through the discussion paper and survey will help inform the future work of MYAN and AYAC, and contribute to broader discussions about strengthening youth participation, representation and leadership across Australia.
Read the discussion paper and complete the survey to contribute to the conversation.
