Young victorians help create strategy for their future

The Andrews Labor Government is putting young people’s experiences, needs and ideas at the centre of its plan to support young Victorians and their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister for Youth Ros Spence today launched Victoria’s first Youth Strategy, backed by more than $600 million from across government in this year’s state budget.

To complement the strategy, an additional $5.3 million will open doors for young Victorians to be involved in policy development, to access opportunities in education, jobs and community, and to support their mental and physical wellbeing.

The strategy, developed in consultation with more than 2,000 young people, sector partners and community members, includes 74 initiatives that will be delivered over five years. It includes a $1 million investment for youth hubs in Geelong and outer metropolitan Melbourne to improve access to services, as well as $750,000 for a Life Skills Toolkit – answering young people’s call for practical guidance during their transition to independence.

More than $1.5 million will provide employment pathways for more than 2,000 young people in the creative and sport and recreation sectors. Under the strategy, young people with lived experience of mental ill health will be directly involved in the design and delivery of a new mental health system that responds to the needs of young Victorians.

Vulnerable young people will have better access to affordable public transport, with $847,000 allocated in the 2022-23 State Budget for 30-day free public transport passes for school students in crisis.

The Head Start apprenticeships and traineeships program will be expanded to every government school across the state – backed by $69.4 million in the 2022-23 State Budget. Organisations such as the Youth Affairs Council Victoria, Koorie Youth Council and The Push will help deliver youth-focused initiatives under the strategy, with the sector and the Victorian Youth Congress to help guide its implementation. For more information visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/youthstrategy.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas spent International Youth Day in Macedon, visiting Gisborne Secondary School’s Project Ready class and speaking with their SRC about current issues affecting youth. Ms Thomas also spent time with local Live4Life CEO Bernard Galbally and met with youth leaders involved in group projects and organisations at the Macedon Ranges Shire.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
" I was very proud to speak with so many of Macedon’s fantastic young people today, they are active and engaged within our local community. The Andrews Government’s first Youth Strategy will enable these voices to be heard and provide opportunities in education, jobs and our communities as well as supporting their physical and mental wellbeing."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Ros Spence
"On International Youth Day, we are incredibly proud to launch this strategy. It is the framework that will shape a positive future for all Victorian young people."

"We’re ensuring young people are empowered to address the issues that affect them. The Youth Strategy ensures that young people’s voices are heard at every level of government."

Quote attributable to Victorian Youth Congress member Nathaniel Diong“
Young Victorians are more resilient, innovative and driven than ever before to drive systemic change – and we welcome this opportunity to give young people a say in their futures through the Victorian Youth Strategy.