Future of young Queenslanders to be discussed at statewide forum

The issues and policies shaping the future of young Queenslanders will be discussed in Brisbane today at the first Statewide Youth Organisations Forum for 2007.

Youth Minister Warren Pitt said the forum brought together youth-sector representatives who were passionate about the issues and government policies that affected Queensland’s youth.

“As the Minister for Youth, I am committed to ensuring that young Queenslanders are encouraged and supported so they can actively participate in their communities through a broad range of programs and initiatives,” Mr Pitt said.

“The forum plays a vital part in that commitment, by strengthening relationships and building partnerships between Queensland’s youth organisations and the government. It also shows that the Queensland Government is listening and responding to the issues and concerns of young people.”

Mr Pitt said the Statewide Youth Organisations Forums would be held three times each year to ensure regular dialogue between the Queensland Government and the youth sector.

“Today’s forum will provide participants with an update on the Office for Youth’s programs, Young Indigenous Leaders Strategies and the Queensland Youth Conference,” he said.

The first Statewide Youth Organisations Forum for 2007 was officially opened today by Stirling Hinchliffe, the Parliamentary Secretary to Mr Pitt.

Mr Hinchliffe said he was pleased to see such a diverse range of youth organisations represented.

“We had 42 participants in the last forum in 2006, from Kids Help Line to Surf Life Saving Queensland,” he said.

“Participants are encouraged to speak out about the issues affecting young Queenslanders today, and to provide feedback to the government about its efforts to improve prospects for youth.”

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280