Today, on International Youth Day, Youth Minister Dave Kelly formally announced and welcomed the new members of the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council (MYAC).
The MYAC was established in 2017 to provide advice to the Minister for Youth on matters relating to young people. The Council comprises up to 12 young Western Australians aged between 15 and 25 years, who draw upon their relevant knowledge, experience and skills.
The MYAC investigates matters referred to them by the Minister for Youth, and provides an avenue for Western Australia's young people to contribute valuable input and policy advice directly to the State Government.
The MYAC convenes six times per year and has been an important part of the State Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic during the past 18 months, participating in both the COVID-19 Ministerial Youth Roundtable and the COVID-19 Youth Taskforce.
It has also provided position papers and advice to the Minister for Youth on important issues such as youth unemployment, mental health, homelessness, gender equality and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning and (LGBTIQA+) young people.
Members of the MYAC have previously undertaken their role in a voluntary capacity. However, in recognition of the important principle of valuing young people's contributions, the McGowan Government has introduced remuneration for Council members.
As stated by Youth Minister Dave Kelly:
"The MYAC plays an important advisory role to me as the Minister for Youth and provides a platform for young people's needs to be considered in the formation of government policy.
"It's important that young people in Western Australia feel they are part of society and that their voices are heard.
"The McGowan Government is committed to providing avenues for young people to inform decisions that affect them, with their input critical to developing and delivering the services and supports that meet their needs.
"Since its establishment, the MYAC has provided important input and valuable, experience-based advice on key youth-focused issues including homelessness, mental health and unemployment - particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"A number of previous members of the MYAC have recently finished their tenure of the MYAC and I thank them for their valuable contribution.
"I welcome the new members to the MYAC and look forward to their contribution."
Ministerial Youth Advisory Council members 2021 * :
Zahra Al Hilaly (Co-chair)
Haseeb Riaz (Co-chair)
Amy Astill
Izabela Barakovska
Lauren Clark
Christopher-John Daudu
Caitlin Eaton
Rhegan Harvey
Cameron Hee
Ryan Pohl
Kiana Yasso
*Currently one Council position vacant pending the appointment of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island identifying person.
