SPENCE ANNOUNCES FORUM ON YOUTH VIOLENCE

Police Minister Judy Spence has announced the Youth Violence Taskforce will host a forum with high school students to discuss the issue of violence among young people.

"This forum will present an excellent opportunity to consult young people on youth violence," Ms Spence said.

"Students will be asked to consider the design and development of a range of community education and related materials, particularly with regard to alcohol consumption.

"The taskforce will also present our preliminary discussions and findings to ensure we are on the right track with our recommendations."

Ms Spence said the forum will involve around 100 students from public, private and independent schools in the state's south-east.

"The taskforce has sent invitations to a range of schools to ensure a broad cross section of students are involved," Ms Spence said.

"The Youth Violence Taskforce is focused on providing clear, practical and achievable recommendations on how to combat the violence that is ruining young lives.

"This forum will ensure we are heading in the right direction towards achieving this goal."

Ms Spence said Premier Peter Beattie, Youth Minister Warren Pitt, Education Minister Rod Welford and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson have been invited to attend.

The forum will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre on 17 July.

"The outcomes from the forum will be considered as a part of the taskforce's report to government," Ms Spence said.

Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 3239 6172/ 0408 732 491