The Youth Advisory Council was established under the Advocate for Children and Young People Act 2014 to:

• advise the Minister and the Advocate on the planning, development, integration and implementation of government policies and programs concerning young persons,
• consult with young persons, community groups and government agencies on issues and policies concerning young persons,
• monitor and evaluate legislation and government policies and programs concerning young persons and to recommend changes if required,
• conduct forums, approved by the Minister, on issues of interest to young persons,
• collect, analyse and provide the Minister and the Advocate with information on issues and policies concerning young persons.

The Council has twelve members who are appointed by the Minister for a period of 12 months. It is anticipated appointments will be announced in November 2015.

It is expected the Council will hold up to eight meetings per year. Council may also host consultations and forums as set out in the Council’s functions listed above.

The Register of Government Boards and Advisory Committees

Young people applying for membership of the Youth Advisory Council can also apply to be included on the Register of Government Boards and Advisory Committees.

NSW Government boards and committees play an important role in providing leadership, direction and accountability across every area of NSW Government activity. There are currently approximately 4,000 Government boards and committees with approximately 10,000 members.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet maintains a register of people who have expressed an interest in being appointed to a government board or committee.  The Department of Premier and Cabinet encourages suitably qualified people from diverse backgrounds to apply to be included on the Register. The register includes a list of young people (aged 12 to 24 years) interested in being appointed to Government Boards and Advisory Committees.

Young people applying for membership of the Youth Advisory Council who want to be included on the Register of Government Boards and Advisory Committees should follow the link to: http://www.boards.dpc.nsw.gov.au/online-registration and complete the online registration form.