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Kate is passionate about contributing to public debate on a wide range of important issues. Here are some of the issues she has touched on in the past.
- Should successful athletes have to pay back the AIS 10 Jun 2009
- Let's give youth voice now for a better future 12 Oct 2008
- Organ donation it's the greatest gift of all 21 Sep 2008
- Is safe sex message falling on deaf ears 31 Aug 2008
- Grassroots funding is key to Olympic glorys 10 Aug 2008
- Easy to overlook big issue of homelessness 20 Jul 2008
- Trailblazer Natasha leaves lasting legacy 29 Jun 2008
- Heavy hitters boost our World Cup hopes 01 Jun 2008
- Youth Forum Discussion Paper 17 May 2008
- We can't take sport for granted 11 May 2008
- Women truly can do anything be anything 20 Apr 2008
- Let the Games begin with all our athletes 30 Mar 2008
- Proud past but future a challenge for women 09 Mar 2008
- Young people will be heard at highest level 17 Feb 2008
- Our nation has changed dramatically in three weeks 16 Dec 2007
- Mobile Phone Towers 23 Sep 2007
- Bradken Foundry 01 Jul 2007
- Full Fees 03 Jun 2007
- Eating Disorders 17 Dec 2006
- Iraq 27 Jul 2006
- Electoral Laws 26 Jun 2006
- Dental 08 Jan 2006
- Make Poverty History 18 Sep 2005
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Media Releases
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 200802 Oct 2008 - Australian Youth Forum marks a new era in communication between youth and Government
The Rudd Government's launch today (Thursday) of the Australian Youth Forum (AYF) represents a new era in the way the Australian Government will engage with young Australians.
"We committed to govern for all Australians - and that means young Australians too," Ms Ellis said. "This $8 million initiative will ensure that young people are empowered to have a strong voice in public discussion, and that Government has a framework to listen to and act on the issues and concerns of young Australians."
The AYF will incorporate local public forums for young Australians to directly engage in debate and offer their perspectives and ideas; an interactive website with ideas discussion boards and information exchanges; and a funded national peak body for the youth sector - the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC).
"We know that young people are grappling with all sorts of issues today which are unlike those faced by previous generations. With the establishment of the AYF, our Government is giving young people a seat at the table and new opportunities to get involved in public discussion about issues that matter to them," Ms Ellis said.
The framework for the AYF has been developed based on the ideas of young people and representatives of the youth sector during a formal consultation process undertaken earlier this year. It also honours an election commitment to fund a national peak body for youth affairs following its de-funding in 1999 under the previous government.
"Today's announcement is another way that the Rudd Government is working to ensure that young Australians are empowered, that they are included, and that they are well supported by their Government," Ms Ellis said. "I look forward to engaging with young Australians through the AYF, to ensuring their perspectives are carefully considered and that they are well served by our Government."
Ms Ellis was joined at the launch in Adelaide by the 11 members of a Youth Engagement Steering Committee that will guide the work and future activities of the Forum and advise the Government about the best ways of involving young people who face obstacles to participation. All members of the committee are aged between 16 and 24 years.
More information on the AYF is available at: www.youth.gov.au/ayf