Around 70 young Tasmanians gathered in George Town on Friday to tackle issues affecting their communities, with calls for affordable youth spaces and better government consultation topping the agenda.
The Tasmanian Youth Forum brought together people aged 12 to 25 from across the state’s north, including West Tamar, Dorset, Scottsdale and Launceston.
Youth Network of Tasmania CEO Tania Hunt said the biggest theme to come out of the forum was young people wanting “safe third places”.
“Young people need somewhere where they can go to connect with other young people that’s not, you know, through sports, school, work,” she told Pulse.
“[Young people] need somewhere they can go to connect with other young people that’s affordable and easy to access so they can be themselves.”
Satayah Moore, 18, from the George Town Youth Impact Council, said the local Launchpad drop-in centre was a good example of what communities needed.
“[A place] where it can improve their spiritual, emotional and social health, just to help relax and have a stress-free environment,” she said.
Young people also expressed frustration about not being heard by decision-makers.
“One of the themes that came out today was that government are not listening,” Hunt said.
“Young people feel there’s a power dynamic and that they don’t get to have a say on spaces, rules, laws that affect them.”
Cost of living pressures, particularly fuel prices, were also highlighted as barriers to social connection and accessing services.
State and local politicians attended the forum, including ministers and George Town councillors.
Hunt said the findings would be compiled into a report for government and decision-makers with recommendations for action.
The forum is part of a regional roadshow series making youth consultation more accessible beyond major cities.
“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow – we are leaders today,” Moore said.
