Chance for more young Queenslanders to have their say

Young people from across Queensland who are interested in being a voice for youth and shaping Queensland’s future can apply now to be a member of the Queensland Youth Engagement Panel (QYEP).

Minister for Youth Di Farmer said applications were now open for Queenslanders aged 16 to 25 years to fill three positions on the QYEP, which was set up in February last year as a way to actively involve young people in government and policy development.

“Since we established the Queensland Youth Engagement Panel a year ago, panel members have brought a wealth of experience and perspectives to the table, helping to shape and develop initiatives like Queensland Youth Week, health campaigns for young people, our cyberbullying initiatives and our Youth Engagement Charter,” she said.

“This is a great opportunity for any young person who want to play an active role in shaping government policies and initiatives, together with a fantastic group of young people who are already on the panel.

“If we want to truly represent Queenslanders, we have to make sure we create opportunities for young people to actively contribute to shaping future laws and policies.

“QYEP panel members are appointed for two years, but these vacancies have come up ahead of schedule because some of our panel members have taken up exciting new opportunities interstate and overseas.

“I want to thank outgoing members Dominic, Jayden and Tasman for all their work on the panel over the past year, and wish them every success.”

QYEP is delivered by the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women as a key action of the Queensland Youth Strategy.

Other youth initiatives being delivered include:

• Queensland Youth Strategy
• Queensland Youth Indigenous Leadership Program
• YMCA Youth Parliament
• Queensland Youth e-Hub

There are three vacancies available on the 11-strong panel which was established in 2019. Applications are now open and will close on Thursday 12 March 2020.

The panel meets 3 times a year face-to-face in Brisbane. Travel and accommodation costs to attend the meeting for young people outside of Brisbane will be covered.

For more information on the QYEP visit www.qld.gov.au/youth-engagement-panel

ENDS 

Media Contact:  Cat Milton 0447 117 132