As part of a strategy to support young people during the coronavirus pandemic, Victorian Youth Minister Ros Spence on Friday announced the two-month-long series of public consultations to help inform the government on youth policy.
Shepparton's Victorian Youth Congress member Tom Saxton, 19, said the Ovens Murray and Goulburn area would be the first region in the state to host a forum on Friday.
He urged young people to get on board and register for the forum.
“This is all part of getting your voice heard and taking part in the decision-making process, which is incredibly important,” he said.
A former Notre Dame Secondary College student, Mr Saxton said he believed key issues for Shepparton young people were the youth unemployment rate — the highest in the state; tertiary and apprenticeship opportunities; and more education around the voting process.
“I came out of school with a fair few politics subjects, but I've talked to a lot of young people and they say they don't know much about either how to vote, or how to get informed about candidates,” he said.
“There is so much potential here being missed.”
Ms Spence said she wanted to hear from young people across the state.
“We're developing a strategy for young people, by young people, and we will work together every step of the way,” Ms Spence said.
She said the government was partnering with youth sector organisations including the Youth Affairs Council Victoria, Koorie Youth Council, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Minus 18 and the Youth Disability Advocacy Service to ensure the forums included a diverse range of voices.
This Friday's inaugural forum takes place via online meeting platform Zoom from 4 pm to 7 pm. To register, go to https://www.yacvic.org.au/advocacy/shape-victorias-youth-strategy/
People can also respond by December 14 via an online survey or a written submission at www.engage.vic.gov.au
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