Held in Launceston earlier this year the Tasmanian Youth Forum brought together over 100 young people to discuss meaningful participation in decisions that impact their lives. The report, which includes recommendations for strengthening youth participation, urges government and community organisations to move beyond “tokenistic consultation” and genuinely involve young people in shaping their future.
Young participants expressed frustration over the lack of progress on issues previously raised, calling for a shift towards proactive, transparent and ongoing engagement.
Media release – Youth Network of Tasmania, 17 September 2025
Young Tasmanians Urge Decision Makers to Act – TYF 2025 Report Released
“When will we actually see these things happen?”
Isabelle Scott, aged 16.
The Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT) is pleased to release the 2025 Tasmanian Youth Forum (TYF) ‘Our Voice in Action’ Report.
Held in Launceston on Friday 16 May, TYF 2025 brought together over 100 young people from across Tasmania to explore how they can meaningfully participate in decisions that impact their lives.
YNOT CEO, Tania Hunt, said the forum provided a safe and inclusive space for young Tasmanians to speak up and contribute solutions to improve youth participation and engagement across the state.
“Young Tasmanians continue to send a strong and consistent message to decision-makers. They are ready and willing to be involved in shaping their future but face ongoing barriers that prevent their views from being heard or acted upon,” Hunt said.
Participants shared key recommendations to strengthen youth participation including:
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- Clear, youth friendly communication through platforms young people use and trust;
- Inclusive and accessible opportunities that reflect the diverse needs of young people;
- Genuine engagement from adults who listen, are respectful and who provide feedback on how information is used;
- More support for youth led approaches and resources;
- More opportunities for youth leadership development and greater investment in youth groups.
These recommendations reaffirm issues raised in previous YNOT consultations with many young people frustrated by the lack of progress. Young people are calling for a shift away from reactive or tokenistic consultation, towards proactive, transparent and ongoing engagement.
“It’s particularly important that young people are involved in processes to ensure they are represented in decisions that affect them. It is especially not okay for policy makers to conceive a policy that affects young people without their input.” said Charles Smith, aged 20.
“TYF feels incredibly genuine,” Isabelle added.
“Events like this help guide decision makers. Youth participation creates positive policy direction.”
YNOT urges government, community organisations and decision-makers to reflect on the report and commit to embedding meaningful youth participation into their work.
TYF is an initiative of the Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT).
YNOT is the peak body representing the interests of young Tasmanians aged 12-25 years and the Tasmanian youth sector.
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