The Ministerial Youth Advisory Council is a consultative advisory body made up of 11 young Western Australians who are passionate about using their voice to speak up on issues that are important to young people.
Members have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and provide advice on a range of Government initiatives, which aim to improve outcomes for young people in Western Australia.
The structure of MYAC is reflective of WA’s diverse population and members represent their peers based on their own experiences and unique perspectives as a young person.
Council members are remunerated in recognition of the important principle of valuing young people’s contributions.
Membership of the MYAC is for an initial two-year term, with a possible one-year extension. Successful candidates join a merit pool and will be appointed to the Council when a position becomes available.
What has MYAC done in the past?
MYAC has provided advice to the Minister for Youth on a range of topics. For example, they prepared a paper detailing how the State Government could strengthen support for young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and other diverse sex, sexuality, and gender (LGBTIQA+).
The Government took on board their feedback and provided funding to the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA) to establish an advocacy body for LGBTIQA+ young people in WA. As a result, the Youth Pride Network was created and works to ensure all LGBTIQA+ young people are fully included, accepted, and celebrated by their communities.
Other topics that MYAC have provided advice to Government on include:
- Infrastructure WA: State Infrastructure Strategy Discussion Paper ‘A Stronger Tomorrow’
- Youth unemployment
- Youth Mental health
- Response to the release of ‘All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia's 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030’
- Residential Tenancies Act review 2019
- Stronger Together: WA's Plan for Gender Equality
- Review of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) exceptions
- Law Reform Commission review of Gender Reassignment Laws
- Western Australian Youth Health Policy 2018-2023
- Young carers and review of the Carers Recognition Act 2004
- PBS Drug removal
- HADSCO publications feedback
- Violence in schools sub-committee
- Access to services and support for regional young people
- Youth Leadership
- Support for young Aboriginal people in education.
Members of MYAC
- Alessia Maio (Co-chair)
- Joshua Peckover (Co-chair)
- Amani Kariuki
- Henry Bird
- Isabella Choate
- Joshoa Zilani
- Lilijana Nicholls
- Nandini Gera
- Om Sharma
- Takunda Bere
- Kate Monaghan
Co-chair bio - Alessia Maio
Show moreAlessia Maio (she/her) is a 22-year-old Paramedical Science student who is passionate about advocating for issues that affect young people in the community.
Living with an incurable auto-immune disease, as well as working in multiple high schools around Perth, has given Alessia a unique perspective on the challenges that young people face and the impact of those challenges.
During her MYAC term, Alessia wants to voice the concerns of her peers, contribute to meaningful discussions, and work collaboratively towards creating positive changes that will benefit young people.
“Many young people feel as though they do not have a voice, so I am committed to ensuring that their needs and perspectives are heard and addressed effectively,” she said.
“I believe youth voices are crucial in shaping policies and initiatives that directly impact our lives.”
Co-chair bio - Joshua Peckover
Show moreJoshua Peckover (he/him) is a 21-year-old who is passionate about bridging the gap between young people and politics by bringing them into the conversation.
Joshua says there is a misconception that young people are not interested in politics, but believes they just not aware of how big of an impact the government has on their lives.
Being the coordinator for The Y’s WA Youth Parliament - a program where young people represent an electorate and help craft bills that address youth issues - he sees first hand the passion of young people in Western Australia and wants to support them to advocate for the issues they care most about.
During his MYAC term, he wants to advise the State Government and the Minister on ways they can meaningfully interact with young people to include them better in civic processes.
“I believe the Government can have an incredibly positive impact on young people’s lives,” he says.
“I want to be part of the conversations that help frame how State Government will interact with young people and address youth issues in Western Australia.”
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