What's it all about?
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The National Youth Roundtable (Roundtable) is the Australian Government's youth consultation mechanism. It brings together young people, aged 15 to 24 years, to discuss issues that have an impact on youth. Roundtable members include young people from all States and Territories, metropolitan and regional areas and from various cultural backgrounds. The members bring to the Roundtable a wide range of experiences and viewpoints, whether studying, caring for others, looking for work or working. Members' experiences from being involved in local community activities and their knowledge of local youth issues are also an asset to the Roundtable.
The purpose of the Roundtable is to provide the Australian Government with a consultation mechanism through which it can access the views of a diverse group of young people on various issues that are of interest to the Australian Government and its policies. It also provides a unique opportunity for young Australians to meet with the Australian Government to explore issues that are important to them. Participation in the Roundtable also contributes to the development of members’ various skills , knowledge and experiences.
The National Youth Roundtable is managed by the Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA).
Taking part means an ongoing commitment from members for the duration of the Roundtable.
- Members attend meetings to prepare them for their role in the Roundtable and to share and exchange with the Government their views on issues that have an impact on young people.
- Members will address issues of importance to the Australian Government, relating to Australia's youth. Members will work in collaboration with relevant Government departments, Members of Parliament and will consult with their communities.
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Workshops help prepare members for their role in the Roundtable. Group facilitators and FaCSIA staff will support Roundtable members throughout their term. In addition, support ranging from written materials through to teleconferencing and an Internet site are available to ensure that participants are fully informed and actively involved. If required FaCSIA will liaise with your school, university or employer explaining involvement in the Roundtable and requesting support for members participation.
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The Roundtable is designed to encourage the contribution of all members irrespective of their age or experiences.The membership term is approximately 12 months.
During the course of their term on Roundtable members typically participate in two formal residential meetings, each of about one week duration, as well as in up to two face-to-face project team meetings and regular teleconferences. Those meetings enable members to work on their projects and to participate in workshops on, among other things, project management and presentation skills. There is also opportunity for members to meet with Ministers and representatives of Australian Government departments, community leaders and other prominent guest speakers. The Roundtable culminates with members making formal presentations of their projects and recommendations at Parliament House to the Australian Government and general public. Outcomes of members’ projects are widely circulated for information and consideration to the Australian and state governments and departments.
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Members undertake project work on topics of mutual interest to both the Government and young people. Through their work on projects members have the opportunity to gain better understanding of specific issues to be in a better position to provide well informed views and recommendations to the Government.