The Best Practice Principles for Youth Participation seek to encourage and support young people to participate in Government decision-making, in implementing the NSW State Plan, and in providing input to the development of programs and services that impact on their lives.

The Best Practice Principles for Youth Participation must be observed by all Ministers, Chief Executives and agencies where relevant and appropriate. I therefore draw your attention to the main elements of those Principles:

• recognise young people's rights to participate in developing Government policy, programs and services that impact upon them;
• promote respect by listening to young people's views and taking them seriously;
• build and maintain strong relationships with the young people we consult with;
• provide young people with appropriate and timely information on Government processes;
• build on young people's knowledge and skills;
• recognise young people's different situations and backgrounds, particularly those:
  • from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island backgrounds
  • from culturally diverse backgrounds
  • with disabilities
  • in out-of-home care
  • from vulnerable or marginalised groups
• organise participation processes that take into account the needs of young people, such as training and transport ;
• encourage young people to provide feedback on the effectiveness of participation processes.

The Best Practice Principles assist agencies to achieve the NSW State Plan Goals as the Plan requires agencies to directly engage with the community. This includes engaging with young people.

More information about the Youth Action Plan, including a copy of the Plan, can be found at http://www.youth.nsw.gov.au/

I ask all Ministers to bring these principles to the attention of all agencies within your administration.

Morris Iemma MP
Premier of New South Wales