A fantastic opportunity has opened for young people who want to share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives to help shape ACT Government decisions that affect them.
Young people aged 12 to 25 are encouraged to apply to join the ACT Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which provides a platform for young Canberrans from all walks of life to have their voices heard in policymaking and ensure that their views are represented in government decisions.
Members of the ACT Youth Advisory Council meet with the Minister for Children, Youth and Families, and actively contribute to ACT Government policy development. They also play a pivotal role in delivering the annual ACT Youth Assembly, which brings together young people from across the ACT to provide their views on some of the Territory's most urgent problems.
Members of the ACT Youth Advisory Council serve terms of up to a total of three years and reflect the diversity of Canberra's youth. The ACT Government aims to ensure the Council represents a broad range of backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQA+ young people, young people with disability, and those from various socio-economic backgrounds. Young people who face challenges in their lives are especially encouraged to participate and contribute their lived experience if they feel comfortable to do so.
Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Michael Pettersson MLA, said all eligible young people should apply to join the ACT Youth Advisory Council.
"It's a privilege to work with the inspiring young leaders who make up the ACT Youth Advisory Council. Young Canberrans contribute so much to the Territory, and we have much to learn from them. They care deeply about social justice, climate change, gender equality and other complex, pressing issues," Minister Pettersson said.
"It's vital that we listen to young people's views and perspectives and give them meaningful opportunities to help shape policy. The ACT Youth Advisory Council plays an incredibly important role in our community, and I urge all young Canberrans to get their applications in."
Applications close on Friday 19 December 2025.
Young people can apply online via the ACT Youth Advisory Council application form or find more information at: www.act.gov.au/community/youth.
Quotes attributable to Ms Price Magero, Member of the ACT Youth Advisory Council:
"Being part of the ACT Youth Advisory Council (YAC) since May 2023 has given me an incredible platform to bring youth perspectives into government discussions and influence real change in our community. Through YAC, I've had the opportunity to contribute to important consultations such as the ACT Preventive Health Action Plan, the Education Amendment Bill 2024, the Social Media Bill, the Mobile Phone Policy in ACT Schools, and the ACT Disability Inclusion Strategy. I've also represented the Council at the National Youth Forum and the Intergenerational Fairness Summit and helped organise Youth Assemblies that give young people a space to voice their ideas and experiences directly to decision-makers. These opportunities have strengthened my communication, negotiation, and leadership skills and shown me how powerful collective youth action can be. I encourage every young person to step forward, share their story, and apply: your voice, experiences, and ideas truly count in shaping a better future for us all."
