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About the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

The NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) plays an important role in advising the NSW Government on issues that are relevant to young people across the state. The 12 member YAC provides a direct avenue of communication between young people and the NSW Government.

Membership of the YAC is open to all children and young people between 12 and 24 years of age residing in NSW. Applications are sought from young people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, from across NSW.

The YAC meets regularly throughout their one-year term to provide advice to the Minister responsible for Youth, and the Advocate for Children and Young People on issues, policies and laws that affect children and young people in NSW.

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive updates on next year’s application and other ongoing opportunities for children and young people.

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Meet the 2025 YAC

Learn about the 12 young leaders from across the state who have been appointed to the 2025 YAC. 

Throughout their one-year term, the YAC will be supported by the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Ms Zoë Robinson.

Meet the current YAC members and learn about advocacy projects by previous Youth Advisory Councils.

What are the YAC’s responsibilities?

Part four of the The Advocate for Children and Young People Act 2014 sets out the YAC’s responsibilities and main function:

  • Advise the Minister and the Advocate on the planning, development, integration and implementation of government policies and programs concerning young people.
  • Consult with young people, community groups and government agencies on issues and policies concerning young people.
  • Monitor and evaluate legislation and government policies and programs concerning young people and recommend changes if required.
  • Conduct forums, approved by the Minister, on issues of interest to young people.
  • Collect, analyse and provide the Minister and the Advocate with information on issues and policies concerning young people.

How is the YAC selected?

Part four of The Advocate for Children and Young People Act 2014 details that the Minister appoints members of the Youth Advisory Council:

  • Members must have such experience, skills and qualifications as the Minister considers necessary for them to make a contribution to the work of the Council.
  • Applicants are assessed and shortlisted by the Advocate and members of the broader ACYP team.
  • Shortlisted candidates are assessed at a face-to-face recruitment event.
  • After an extensive recruitment process, the Advocate and ACYP recommend 12 finalists for appointment to the Minister for Youth and NSW Cabinet.
Contact us

P: 02 9248 0970

E: acyp@acyp.nsw.gov.au

Street address

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People

Ground Floor, 219-241 Cleveland Street, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012

 

Mailing address

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People

Locked Bag 5000, PARRAMATTA NSW 2124

 

The Advocate for Children and Young People is under the DCJ ABN 36 433 875 185.

Media

P: 02 9248 0943 or 0439 346 249

E: media@acyp.nsw.gov.au
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Aboriginal flag

We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future.

 

Informed by lessons of the past, ACYP is improving how we work with Aboriginal people and communities. We listen and learn from the knowledge, strength and resilience of Stolen Generations Survivors, Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal communities.