MEDIA RELEASE

October 24 2006

Young people the focus at State Election forum

Young people will have the opportunity to hold the politicians accountable in an Election forum to be hosted tomorrow by the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria. Representatives from the major Parties in Victoria, including Jacinta Allan, Minister for Employment and Youth Affairs, will present on their policies relating to young people and the youth sector at the Young People and the State Election: Rhetoric or reality? forum.

‘This event will give young people and youth service providers the opportunity to engage directly with politicians around the issues that matter to them in the lead up to the State Election’ said Georgie Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer, Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic).

The forum will also see the launch of the YACVic Election Kit, a compilation of the major Party’s responses to nine issues of key concern to young people and the youth sector. Issues of focus include mental health, youth homelessness, young people leaving care, youth justice, education and training and a Children and Young People’s Commission.

‘This Kit will help young people, youth service providers or anyone specifically interested in these issues, to make a more informed choice on youth issues when voting in the State Election in November’ said Georgie Ferrari.

‘Policies relating to young people often get sidelined in the lead up to an Election, but it is hoped that this Election Kit and Forum will help bring those issues under the spotlight’ said Georgie Ferrari.

FORUM:
Young People and the State Election: Rhetoric or reality?
October 25, 2:30pm – 4:20pm
Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Rd, Richmond

For media contact

Georgie Ferrari
Executive Officer
Youth Affairs Council of Victoria
Ph: 9267 3711 or 0411 484 428