Hosted by the Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP, students from across the region joined together at the University of Newcastle, Central Coast Research Institute, to discuss the future of leadership, exploring what leadership means to them, and discussing how young people can be empowered to address issues that matter most to them.
The school leaders were also given the opportunity to ask questions of Ms Tesch and Member for Dobell, Emma McBride MP, who spoke of their journeys of leadership and the key issues facing the community.
Students also participated in a scenario where they had been appointed as the government and had to identify their top priorities as a new government. It provided valuable insight as to government policy and the innovative solutions young people have to community concerns.
Students raised issues that mattered to them and their peers, including cost-of-living pressures, mental health, housing availability, climate change, education, and employment.
Ms Tesch has celebrated the success of the Youth Leadership Forum, saying it was a fantastic opportunity to hear the voices of young people.
“As a former high school teacher, I feel it is so important to provide a space for young people to raise issues with me and for the government to learn about what the issues are for our future generation.
“I continue to be absolutely amazed at the incredible talent of young people and by the drive and passion of the students on the day.
“The fantastic University of Newcastle, Central Coast Research Institute provides a wonderful backdrop for the student leaders to dream about what the future holds, and I thank the University for hosting us.”
It comes as the Minns Labor Government platforms the voices of almost 100 young people from across the state hosting the NSW Youth Summit this week.
With more than a dozen key Ministers in attendance, the Youth Summit highlights a transformative shift in how the Minns Labor Government welcomes input from young people, moving beyond traditional consultations towards a hands-on, real-time dialogue with decision-makers.
Already, thousands of young people have been a part of the NSW Government’s Your Voice, Our Future consultation. The online survey is open until Tuesday 31 December. To fill it out, go to: https://bit.ly/YourVoiceOurFuture-NSW.
Ms Tesch said that she will continue to work closely with schools and young people to ensure their voices are heard.
“I am committed to strengthening the voices of young people and empower them to play an active role in shaping government policies on the issues that most to them. I look forward to an even better 2025 Youth Leadership Forum!”
