The National Youth Roundtable provides an opportunity for 46 young people and the Australian Government to exchange ideas on a range of issues that are relevant to youth.
Since its inception in 1999, the Roundtable has grown and continues to attract support from the wider community.
The Roundtable is a youth consultation mechanism through which the Australian Government accesses views of a diverse range of young people. For young people, it is an opportunity to work together, learn from each other and to contribute their unique perspective on issues they have an interest in.
The selection process for the 2008 Roundtable is about to start. The 46 members for 2008 will reflect the diversity of young Australians.
They will come from all States and Territories, from regional and metropolitan areas, from many cultural backgrounds and with a variety of life experiences such as studying, being parents, looking for work, caring for others, and/or working.
Roundtable members generally serve a one year term, attending two residential meetings and up to two team based meetings.
Their project based work gives members the opportunity to gain a better understanding of specific issues and to provide their own views and recommendations on these issues to Government.
Members work in collaboration with relevant Australian Government departments, Members of Parliament and in consultation with their communities.
Members in previous years have completed projects focused on a wide range of issues, such as youth empowerment, mental health, cultural identity and rural development.
During its short history, many successful initiatives have been put into place as a result of Roundtable recommendations, including:
- the creation of a national code of good practise for new apprentices, which offers greater protection for their working conditions
- the inclusion of a Youth Engagement category in the National Awards for Local Government annually
- a careers booklet called No Shame Job that encourages young Indigenous people to pursue careers in the health field
- individual participants have gained financial support from Australian and State Governments to turn their ideas into reality.
In addition, participation on Roundtable has opened doors for past members with many opportunities to be involved in conferences, panels and forums, either as participants or invited guest speakers.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Roundtable or to download an application form for 2008 should call 1 800 624 309, email roundtable@thesource.gov.au or visit www.thesource.gov.au
Applications for Roundtable 2008 close on 18 October 2007.
Profile of a member Felix Ho, 24 years old, from Tasmania
Why did you apply for Roundtable?
The ability to develop projects which could potentially make a contribution to young people, to meet other like minded young people interested in making a difference, professional development, to engage and work at a ministerial level, and expanding my knowledge of the processes of government were just some of the motivating factors for applying for the National Youth Roundtable. I felt it was also going to be a rewarding experience and to have my views challenged by other young people.
What have been the benefits of Roundtable to you?
Meeting and discussing issues with various junior and senior Ministers. It is personally reassuring to know that youth consultation is important across all levels of government – we are not just the future, we are today’s community members and we are voters. I have been privileged to be a member of the Rural Development Team – our project aims to attract and retain young people into rural areas.
It has been fantastic working with a very diverse team, ranging from 15-25 years old and in as diverse locations as Bindi Bindi in Western Australia to Burke in New South Wales, and drawing from our collective experiences to develop projects which aims to make a difference for all rural areas.
I have become more engaged within my community as a result of the Roundtable. I have sought out and consulted with other young people, community organisations and across all levels of government. I have been privileged to develop a network of other like minded young people from around Australia and to be challenged with different views and opinions.
I have also matured professionally, gaining skills in media, chairing meetings, developing proposals and working with government. These are very valuable soft skills imperative in today’s work environment.
Overall, the Roundtable has been a rewarding and personally enriching experience. I have gained friends from around the country, become more politically aware of current issues, professionally matured, have become more energised from the energy and passion from other young people, furthered my interest in community service and in creating positive change in the community. It has been a fantastic journey so far and the future does indeed look bright!
