Our Youth Our Future

• State Government's youth framework released

• Our Youth-Our Future to guide future directions for young people in WA

Youth Minister Robyn McSweeney today launched the State Government's commitment to Western Australia's young people, the Our Youth-Our Future strategic framework.

The new document identifies four targeted outcomes for WA's young people including:

• health happiness and safety

• learning, work, future financial independence

• living life to the full

• making a difference

"Our Youth-Our Future is a significant advancement in youth strategy for Western Australia, bringing together for the first time a whole of government approach to guide youth programs and service planning," Mrs McSweeney said.

"The framework was developed in partnership with 14 State Government agencies, with input from WA's young people."

The new framework was launched at the opening of the 17th Western Australian Youth Parliament with 61 young parliamentarians in attendance. 

Speaking at Parliament House, Mrs McSweeney welcomed the members of the 2012 YMCA Youth Parliament, including the Youth Premier, the Youth Leader of the Opposition and the Youth Governor.

Youth Parliamentarians come from throughout Western Australia to discuss the issues that matter to the State's young people.

They will debate legislation as well as take part in question time, matters of public interest and private members' statements, during their three days of parliamentary sitting.

      Fact File

• WA Youth Parliament sits today and is co-ordinated by the YMCA, which facilitates Youth Parliaments in every Australian State and Territory

• State Government provided $22,000 for the YMCA of Perth to undertake the Youth Parliament Program

• In June 2011 there were 461,091 young people aged between 12 and 25 years living in Western Australia, about 20 per cent of the State's total population

• By 2030 it is projected that there will be 551,100 young West Australians

Minister's office - 6552 6500