Advocacy, Publications and Statements
Advocating for a better future for young Australians and their communities
Working with partners to make a difference
Young people are growing up in challenging times, and communities are less connected than ever before. The need to bring Australians together for our future has never been more stark.
With climate anxiety, growth in online harm and barriers to belonging at threat, the Y is advocating on behalf of young people and communities for positive solutions to today’s problems.
Under our five national advocacy pillars, we’re working to create a better future, with and for young people.
1.
Safe, trusted early learning
Guarantee access to quality early education and care with strong safety standards, two-adult supervision, and fair access to Outside School Hours Care.
2.
Get Australia moving
Invest in inclusive, community-based sport and activity programs that build lifelong health and connection.
3.
Keep students engaged
Fund evidence-based re-engagement programs so no young person falls through the cracks.
4.
Keep children safe, offline and online
Harmonise child-safety standards, require accredited training for all workers, and hold digital platforms to account.
5.
Protect our democracy
Back youth voice and civic education through sustained investment in Youth Parliament and local leadership programs.
Our Impact
664
sites embedding child-safe practice
2000
young people re-engaged with learning
10000
Youth Parliament participants since inception.
70000
children and 40,000 families supported through Y early learning
16million
program participations last year
Our Commitment
We bring child and youth voices to the table, conducting research with our partners, to better understand young people’s views on the issues that matter. And we’re ready to partner with governments and communities to build a healthier, safer, and more connected Australia.
Report: Gen Z at the Ballot Box
In the 2025 Federal election the Y worked with our research partners to bring to the forefront the issues and views of young Australians. This report summaries their voices on politics at this point in time.
Download the PDFSubmissions
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What do Australia’s Youth Parliaments Think?
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Submission to the Draft National Care and Support Economy Strategy 2023
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Submission to the National Child Safety Review – Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS)
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2024 – Pre-budget submission
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Y Australia Submission to the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review
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Submission in response to the Draft Report of the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care
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Submission to the inquiry into civics, education, and participation in Australia
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Response to the ACCC second interim report
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Submission in response to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care 2023
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Submission in response to the Early Years Strategy 2023
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Submission to the Inquiry into the continuing operation of the National Redress Scheme
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Submission to Senate Inquiry on the Quality and Safety of Australia’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) System
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Submission to the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society
Statements
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Principle and Practice Statement: Youth Voice
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Principle and Practice Statement: Body-Mind-Spirit
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Principle and Practice Statement: Intergenerational Leadership
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2021 – The Uluru Statement from the heart – the Y’s position statement
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Gen Z at the Ballot Box
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Y Australia Policy Statement Early Childhood Education and Care
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Action Plan for Children and Young People Federal Election 2025