Forum for young people to have their say

YOUNG people burdened by a lack of affordable housing, affordable post-secondary education and employment opportunities will outline their concerns at an event in Southern Tasmania on Thursday.

The Youth Network of Tasmania is hosting a statewide symposium entitled “Connect: Explore: Inspire”, that brings together academics, decisionmakers, practitioners and young people.

Chief executive Tania Hunt said young Tasmanians between the ages of 12 and 25 were facing “extraordinary challenges”.

“They are not only living with a global pandemic and climate emergency, but they are also burdened by a lack of affordable housing, employment opportunities, affordable postsecondary education and access to appropriate services. Youth workers have reported challenges in responding to the increasingly complex needs of young Tasmanians,” she said.

Ms Hunt said it was important the voice of young people was included in policy and decision-making.

Young Tasmanians will feature heavily in the program, including a youth panel discussion designed by them.

“I think it’s important that the youth sector listens to young people because they are providing a service for us. If they don’t talk to us, how do they know what we need?,’’ 15year-old Taso Bookarof said.

Tyenna Hogan, 19, said hearing from a diverse group of young Tasmanians would ensure services catered for everyone’s needs. “Too often the voices of the young are overlooked on matters that directly affect us,” she said.