Young people’s participation in the economic, political and cultural life of all Australians is fundamental both now and in the future. Their participation contributes to healthier, happier individuals and communities, and a stronger, more resilient democracy capable of responding effectively to complex challenges such as mental health, environmental and economic change.

New forms of participation and collaboration – especially via digital media technologies – offer real opportunity to embed diversity in young people’s participation in government and community decision making. However, at the federal level, young people are more marginalised from formal policy processes than ever before.

These policies are often aimed at remedying perceived deficits or deterring them from ‘anti-social’ alternatives. Moreover, there is a lack of data on young people’s and policy makers’ views regarding involvement in policy processes which could inform a national framework that puts young people at the centre of public policy.