Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want authentic representation, decision-making power and community-led structures that deliver real outcomes, according to a landmark national report released today.
SNAICC — National Voice for our Children has released The Youth Voice Engagement Report, drawing on the insights, opinions and lived experience of over 150 young people and 45 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) across locations in remote, regional and urban Australia.
The report found young people consistently rejected government-led advisory models they had seen fail, finding many of them to be tokenistic and called for action-focused structures grounded in culture, community leadership and shared decision-making to give them a genuine platform to have their voices heard.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC said the report is important information for anyone working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isander young people.
“What this report shows is that our young people are smart, articulate and ready to work with government and decision-makers on the matters that relate to them. They have lived experience that should be shaping national policy and through the Youth Voice we are making sure it does.”
The feedback and the Engagement Report will directly inform SNAICC’s Youth Voice model and outline how the group will operate with SNAICC, Government and in community to hear from more young people.
The model includes a Youth Sub-Committee of up to 16 elected young people representing every jurisdiction, supported by jurisdictional youth networks, ambassador roles and annual national youth gatherings.
Karrii Johnstone, a proud Ngiyampaa and Barkindji woman and member of the Youth Voice sub-committee said the commitment to young people leading from the start reflected a genuine intention to share power.
“The fact that young people walked along the process from like day dot, I think just shows the genuine interest in amplifying and empowering young people to be decision makers.”
Proud Ngunnawal and Yuin man Jaharn Mundy-Drazevich, fellow member of the Youth Voice sub-committee said young people brought insight and knowledge that deserved to be heard.
“We can contribute to the yarns, that’s how I see it. Any deadly young person out there, they have the insight, they have their own knowledge, of not just their family, but their community as well. So being able to listen to them and gain valuable insights.”
Ms Liddle said the Youth Voice was designed to work alongside the people it represents.
“This is not another advisory body that sits on the shelf. The Youth Voice will grow and change alongside the young people it represents. It is built to last,” Ms Liddle said.
The Youth Voice Engagement Report is available at https://www.snaicc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Youth-Voice-Report-1.pdf
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For all media queries, please contact Charlie Bowcock on 0417 042 308 or media@snaicc.org.au
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