Young people in Brimbank are being encouraged to get involved in the Federal Government’s nationwide youTHINK event to be held on 20 February in Melbourne and 9 other locations across the country. 

Federal Member for Gorton Brendan O’Connor said that this event will give local young people a chance to get involved in contributing to the development of government policies that will directly affect them and their friends.

“As a local MP, I’ve met a lot of young people in our community and most of them are really interested in what’s going on in the world around them and what kind of future they’re going to have," he said.  

“At my Gorton 2020 Summit last year, for example, I was very impressed with the local school students who attended. They made an extremely significant contribution to the discussions and put forward some excellent ideas.” 

“I’d really encourage local young people to take part in this groundbreaking event. Being involved and making sure your voice is heard is the only way to make a real difference.” 

In an Australian first, the 10 events will be linked by satellite, joining 1000 young Australians aged between 15 and 24 in a conversation about the issues that matter most to them. 

youTHINK will address two important issues of direct interest to young Australians: 

1. their concerns about safety and violence in public spaces; and
2. the contribution that they can make to our democracy. 

To make sure that their voice is heard, local young people can register for the event online at www.youth.gov.au/ayf. 

“Young people who may not be able to attend the event could also consider hosting their own youTHINK event at their school or in a local community setting,” Mr O’Connor said. 

“Kits are available on-line to help young people work with their parents and schools to set up their own forums.” 

youTHINK is a part of the Australian Government’s $8 million Australian Youth Forum (AYF) initiative that works to take government to young people on their own turf.  

“Unlike the previous Government, which abolished the Youth portfolio and limited its youth engagement to just two meetings a year in Canberra, the Rudd Government wants to work with young people around the country to address the issues that concern them,” Mr O’Connor said. 

“Importantly, the ideas and comments that are generated from youTHINK events will be used by the Rudd Government to help inform future policy development.” 

To register for the event or more for more information contact Mr O’Connor’s office on 8361 6588 or go to www.youth.gov.au/ayf