'Our voices, our future'
The new State Youth Action Plan tackles problems young people face, like high living costs, finding housing, and needing mental health support after Covid. It focuses on solutions that put young people first and makes sure their voices help shape the plan.
On this page:
- Acknowledgement
- Message from the Youth Minister's Advisory Council
- Message from the Minister for Human Services
- Young South Australians at a glance
- Fitting into the big picture
- Climate change action
- Creating South Australia's Youth Action Plan, together
- South Australia's Youth Action Plan consultation approach
- Who this plan prioritises
- Actions
- Overarching action addressing six key themes
- Key theme 1: Mental health and wellbeing
- Key theme 2: Connection to services and information
- Key theme 3: Recreation, community spaces and activities
- Key theme 4: Transition to adulthood
- Key theme 5: Housing and cost of living
- Key theme 6: Participation
- Summary of agencies and their actions
- Measuring and reporting on progress
Acknowledgement of Country
We, the Government of South Australia, acknowledge and respect Aboriginal Peoples as the State’s first people and recognise Aboriginal Peoples as traditional owners and occupants of lands and waters in South Australia. We acknowledge that the spiritual, social, cultural, and economic practices of Aboriginal Peoples come from their traditional lands and waters, and that the cultural and heritage beliefs, languages, and laws are still of importance today.
Please note the term Aboriginal is used throughout this document to include all people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent in South Australia.
Message from the Youth Minister's Advisory Council
As members of the Youth Minister’s Advisory Council, we are privileged to provide advice to the State Government on issues impacting young people, have access to educational development and help develop South Australia’s new Youth Action Plan. As a diverse group of young people across South Australia’s many regions, we have applied our unique perspectives on topical issues and worked together to influence positive change for South Australia’s youth.
The issues that impact young South Australians are always changing, reflecting our post-Covid world, which has seen cost-of-living pressures mount, young people facing growing difficulty entering the house or rental market, and an increasing need for mental health support and accessible services, especially for our most disadvantaged communities.
The new State Youth Action Plan will address the many problems raised by young people across the various consultations that occurred to develop this plan — this includes implementing youth-centred solutions. We are proud to say the level of input from young people through this plan is very strong, developing a plan by young people, for young people. Enabling young people to have their say and be part of the process is something we’re passionate about, and excited to see happen in this plan, allowing us to continue to influence policies and initiatives which impact our future.
Youth Minister’s Advisory Council members, 2023–2024
Message from the Minister of Human Services
During the development of our South Australian Youth Action Plan, and the ongoing work with my Youth Minister’s Advisory Council, it has been a huge privilege to hear the thoughts, ideas and perspectives of our state’s brilliant young people. Our young leaders are extremely driven, insightful and brave. I deeply thank all the young people who contributed to help shape this Plan during any of the three phases of consultation.
It is crucial we provide access to opportunities and resources to support our young people to thrive and reach their potential. A key aspect of this is to listen to young people and allow them to have their say on what they need while influencing the policies and initiatives affecting them.
The Government of South Australia has collaborated strongly throughout the development of this Plan, guided by what South Australian young people have told us. This Plan is a step forward, and a continued strengthening of the partnerships between young people and youth stakeholders across government.
I am excited to see where this Plan takes us, continuing to make South Australia a great place for young people to thrive, live well and belong.
The Hon. Nat Cook MP
Minister for Human Services
Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well
Young South Australians aged 12 to 25 at a glance
- Make up about 17% of the State’s population (294,443).
- One in 25 (4%) are Aboriginal (11,262).
- 78% live in Metropolitan Adelaide, 19% live in regional areas and 3% live in remote areas.
- 25% live in the most disadvantaged council areas and 12% live in the most advantaged council areas.
- 76% of young South Australians are fully involved in education, training or employment.
- 18% were born overseas (51,698).
- 18% speak a language other than English at home (53,366).
- 3.7% live with a long- term health condition or disability and need assistance with core activities (11,031).
- Approximately 10% (30,000) are carers.
Fitting into big picture: legislation and other youth-related work
It is important to acknowledge the legislative framework and youth-related work already underway across various levels of government. This Plan will complement a range of other strategies that support and empower young people to reach their potential. These policies include, but are not limited to:
Links and documents
Legislation, South Australia
- South Australia’s Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017
- Children and Young People (Advocacy and Oversight Bodies) Act 2017
- Young Offenders Act 1993
- Youth Court Act 1993
- Youth Justice Administration Act 2016
Office for Youth, Australian Government
Department for Child Protection, South Australia
- Our Way Forward
- Workforce Strategy for the Child Protection and Family Support Sector
- Investing in their Future
- Child and Youth Engagement Strategy
Department for Education, South Australia
- Learn and Thrive – Our Strategy for Public Education in South Australia
- Aboriginal Education Strategy 2019–2029
- Country Education Strategy
- Student Pathways – Career Education and Pathways Strategy
- Digital Strategy 2023–2026
- Safe and Supportive Learning Environments Plan of Action 2024–2026
- Skilled. Thriving. Connected.
Department for Infrastructure and Transport, South Australia
Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, South Australia
Department of the Premier and Cabinet, South Australia
Department of Human Services, South Australia
- State Disability Inclusion Plan
- SA Autism Strategy 2024–2029
- Volunteering Strategy for South Australia 2021–2027
South Australian Housing Trust, South Australia
SA Health, South Australia
- South Australian Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2020–2025
- Youth Mental Health Services for South Australia – Model of Care
Preventive Health SA, South Australia
Climate change action
Throughout consultation, young people reported being concerned about climate change and its impacts. The Government of South Australia is actively addressing climate change through a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Ambitious Emissions Reduction Targets: Aiming to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
- Renewable Energy Goal: Setting a target to achieve 100% net renewable electricity generation by 2027.
- Legislative Amendments: Amending the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 to update emissions reduction and renewable electricity targets, and to strengthen requirements around government planning, risk assessment, and action on climate change.
- Adaptation Initiatives: Implementing initiatives in the South Australian Government Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation Actions document to support efforts across all levels of government, business and the community to better prepare for, manage, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- Climate Ready Government Program: Leading by example, the Government of South Australia is implementing the Climate Ready Government program to reduce its own emissions and build resilience to climate impacts.
- Premier’s Climate Change Council: An independent advisory body, which includes a youth representative, providing advice on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change, ensuring accountability and informed decision-making.
- Industry Climate Change Conference: A biannual conference focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities of climate change across all industry sectors in South Australia, which students are encouraged to attend.
These actions demonstrate South Australia’s commitment to mitigating climate change impacts and transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Creating South Australia's Youth Action Plan, together
Government of South Australia actively partnered with young people throughout the development of the Plan. During three rounds of consultation, more than 1,000 people provided input into the Plan, including 854 young people. Young people’s voices were prioritised, and their feedback used to directly shape this Plan.
Additionally, a Youth Action Plan Steering Committee, comprised of young people, and representatives from government and the youth sector was established to guide and oversee the Plan’s development.
Sincere thanks is given to the members of the Youth Minister’s Advisory Council, whose active involvement was invaluable in shaping this Plan. Their guidance during consultations, assistance in refining the language, and final approval of the draft for public consultation have been essential in creating a Plan that truly reflects the voices of South Australia’s young people.
South Australia's Youth Action Plan consultation approach
Phase 1: 2023
880 people, including 728 young people, engaged through a YourSAy survey, workshops and written submissions.
Respondents identified their top priorities:
- Access to mental health and wellbeing support
- Connection to services and activities available in the community
- Access to sport and recreation activities
- Support with post-school pathways, including the teaching of ‘life skills’ and ‘how to adult’
- Access to housing and rental accommodation
- Inclusion of young people in decision making.
Phase 2: 2024
- The steering committee drafted key actions
- The actions were tested with young people through:
- a forum with 92 young people
- consultation with the Youth Minister’s Advisory Council
- consultation with 19 Aboriginal young people at Tauondi College
- Actions were refined, and the new Youth Action Plan was drafted.
Phase 3: 2024 - 2025
- Public consultation on the draft plan was held during which 883 people visited the YourSAy webpage to view the draft YAP and 44 of those visitors provided feedback
- The Plan was updated based on feedback
- The final Youth Action Plan was launched.
Who this plan prioritises
This Plan aims to address the needs of South Australia’s young people and promote fair and equitable access to opportunities, resources and support.
Some groups of young people experience specific barriers and challenges, not due to their identity but due to their experience of discrimination, trauma or adverse life events that may be related to their cultural background, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, social background, and other identity markers.
This Plan acknowledges that young people experience multiple forms of discrimination and disadvantage. Our efforts will be tailored to support and include those who face intersectional barriers.
Ensuring we include the voices of young people who experience increased isolation, disadvantage, marginalisation, and discrimination is essential for developing effective programs and initiatives that relate to young people.
The following groups are highlighted as priority groups within the plan:
Young Aboriginal South Australians
Aboriginal Peoples hold a deep and rightful place as the First Peoples of Australia, with a unique history, culture, kinship relationships, and a profound connection to their traditional lands and waters. Their strength, resilience, and cultural richness forms the foundation for building a future of equality and respect.
The Government of South Australia is committed to creating opportunities for Aboriginal peoples to thrive by addressing systemic barriers in education, housing, healthcare, and employment due to intergenerational trauma and dispossession, limited culturally safe and responsive services, and systemic racism and discrimination. Aboriginal voices will shape the design and delivery of services, driving positive outcomes as described in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap; ‘…when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a genuine say in the design and delivery of services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved’.
Through meaningful engagement and partnership, especially in youth participation, the Youth Action Plan will advance Closing the Gap Priority Reform 1: Formal Partnerships and Shared Decision Making, where new funding initiatives are developed, lead agencies will meaningfully engage Aboriginal stakeholders through its design.
Young people with disability and/or neurodivergence
Young people with disability and/or neurodivergence have the right to lead fulfilling lives in environments that respect their dignity, promote their independence, and support their active and meaningful participation in family, cultural, and social life. With the right resources and opportunities, they can thrive, contribute to their communities, and experience personal growth, all while being safeguarded from risk.
Their strengths, talents, and potential for positive impact are invaluable. Empowering them to fully engage in all aspects of life enriches society as a whole.
Young people in out-of-home care
Young people in out-of-home care have the strength, resilience, and capacity to thrive and achieve their full potential, just like their peers. While they may encounter unique challenges, such as interrupted education, disrupted attachments, exposure to trauma and harm or limited access to resources, they also demonstrate remarkable adaptability and determination. With the right support, stable connections, and opportunities for healing and growth, these young individuals can overcome adversity and unlock their full potential.
LGBTQIA+ young people
LGBTIQA+ communities are diverse and resilient, united by shared experiences and a commitment to advocating for equality and inclusion. While individuals within these communities may face unique challenges and discrimination, they also demonstrate remarkable strength, resilience, and a capacity to navigate adversity. These challenges are a result of societal misconceptions and biases, and can vary based on intersecting factors such as age, cultural background, and personal identity.
Young carers
Young people with caring responsibilities demonstrate remarkable compassion, generosity, loyalty, and resourcefulness as they provide vital care and support to family or friends facing disability, illness, substance dependency, or age-related challenges. While their contributions often go unrecognised, these young carers possess the resilience and strength to navigate complex situations. By offering support, resources, and opportunities, we can empower young carers to maintain their physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing, enhance their educational experiences, foster social connections, and pursue fulfilling post-school pathways, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Culturally and linguistically diverse young people
Young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives and strengths, though they may face specific challenges related to housing, health, education, employment, and access to social and recreational opportunities due to racism, misconceptions, biases and structural inequities.
Young people who live in remote or regional locations
Young people who live in regional or remote locations demonstrate resilience, adaptability and a strong sense of community, thriving despite unique challenges such as isolation, and limited access to services and opportunities.
Young people with connection to the youth justice system
It is important to note that young people with connection to the youth justice system often experience intersecting disadvantages. These circumstances can impact a young person’s social and emotional wellbeing, education and opportunities. Despite the challenges, they often display resilience, adaptability, and strength while actively seeking growth, positive change, and meaningful connections within their communities and support networks.
Young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness
Young people can experience homelessness for various reasons which are largely out of their control, such as poverty, family breakdowns, inadequate living conditions, or a lack of affordable housing. With support, they can harness their strengths, rebuild stability, pursue education and opportunities, and develop meaningful connections; creating pathways toward a brighter, more secure future.
“We just want to make the best next generation that we can, for both us and for future generations”
Actions
The Government of South Australia and partner organisations are committed to delivering the following 27 actions. These actions have been developed with young people and are in addition to the many existing programs and initiatives already delivered in SA.
A summary table of the agency acronyms used in the following 27 actions is provided at the end of the plan.
Overarching action addressing six key themes
Action 1
Develop an online youth hub, in collaboration with young people, which provides information on:
- supports and opportunities available in the young person’s community
- gaining independence, being ‘work- ready’, and developing life-skills
- increasing understanding of democratic processes, rights, politics in practice and how to participate in decision making
- other topics important to young people, including climate change and mental wellbeing.
Priorities for young people
- Increase information on mental health and wellbeing support.
- Improve awareness of supports and resources available, including healthy food and physical activity literacy, and life skills.
- Support to prepare themselves for adulthood and understand their employment rights.
- Increase availability of civics and rights education.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Human Services
Implementation timeline
Year 2
“Make the information on resources that help young people more well known and more accessible”
“We want to develop an online hub, made by the youth of SA, for the youth of SA. This hub will cover certain information on topics such as mental health, transitioning into adulthood – that sort of stuff – and the most important thing about it is having it easily accessible”
Key theme 1: Mental health and wellbeing - young people are healthy and well
Action 2
Support the development of local, community-based, non-clinical, peer- to-peer mental health programs, including increasing the provision of Teen Mental Health First Aid training.
Priorities for young people
Increase access to mental health and wellbeing support, especially for those living in regional and remote areas.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Human Services
Support: Preventive Health SA and SA Health
Implementation timeline
Year 1
“We need better access to mental health services. Services are too expensive and often have long waitlists”
Action 3
Review and strengthen consent and respectful relationships education (CRRE) in every State Government school, connected to the Australian Curriculum and the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum.
Priorities for young people
Increase skills to be able to help each other, foster meaningful quality relationships, and increase education on healthy relationships and consent, especially relating to awareness of the psychological and legal aspects of violence and abuse.
Increase awareness and education to develop a more welcoming and inclusive society, particularly in relation to bullying prevention.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department for Education
Support: Department of Human Services, SA Health and Department of Child Protection
Implementation timeline
Year 4
“Young people should receive safe, inclusive, and age-appropriate education in schools about respectful relationships, consent, and sexual health”
Action 4
Support schools to give students a say in how to strengthen safety and enhance a sense of belonging at their school.
Priorities for young people
Increase skills to be able to help each other, foster meaningful quality relationships, and increase education on healthy relationships and consent, especially relating to awareness of the psychological and legal aspects of violence and abuse.
Increase awareness and education to develop a more welcoming and inclusive society, particularly in relation to bullying prevention.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department for Education
Implementation timeline
Year 3
Action 5
Support educators and schools with training and resources to better understand the challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ students, including bullying and wellbeing.
Priorities for young people
Increase skills to be able to help each other, foster meaningful quality relationships, and increase education on healthy relationships and consent, especially relating to awareness of the psychological and legal aspects of violence and abuse.
Increase awareness and education to develop a more welcoming and inclusive society, particularly in relation to bullying prevention.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department for Education
Implementation timeline
Year 1
Action 6
Provide training on bullying prevention in schools to staff and students, including peer-to-peer student training initiatives in line with the Safe and Supportive Learning Environments Plan of Action 2024–2026.
Priorities for young people
Increase skills to be able to help each other, foster meaningful quality relationships, and increase education on healthy relationships and consent, especially relating to awareness of the psychological and legal aspects of violence and abuse.
Increase awareness and education to develop a more welcoming and inclusive society, particularly in relation to bullying prevention.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department for Education
Implementation timeline
Year 3
Action 7
Provide evidence-based resources to schools and students for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention education and programs, including resources informed by young people.
Priorities for young people
Increase early intervention and harm reduction campaigns on substance misuse which includes vaping, drugs, alcohol, and high caffeine intakes, with a focus on the impact of social pressures.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department for Education
Support: Preventive Health SA
Implementation timeline
Year 1
Action 8
Facilitating connection to Country, culture and community by providing culturally safe and responsive mental health and social and emotional wellbeing services and programs to meet the needs of Aboriginal young people.
Priorities for young people
Access to affordable, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate healthcare and services.
Action lead and support
Lead: SA Health
Support: Preventive Health SA, Department of Human Services and Local Government Association
Implementation timeline
Year 1
Key theme 2: Connection to services and information – young people have access to information and services to meet their needs
Action 9
Increase the provision of accessible menstrual products in primary and high schools, sporting clubs, and other community hubs.
Priorities for young people
Increase earlier support with sexual and menstrual health, especially for those first experiencing menstruation.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Human Services and Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing
Support: Department of Education
Implementation timeline
Year 3
Action 10
Establish and/or strengthen data capturing and sharing to support the identification of young people and families at-risk who require early intervention support and inform future policy and practice.
Priorities for young people
Improve prevention services which address social disadvantage through early interventions for vulnerable young people and families, along with support for young parents to prevent lifelong disparities.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Human Services and Department of Child Protection
Support: South Australian Health
Implementation timeline
Year 4
Key theme 3: Recreation, community spaces and activities – young people have spaces and activities to make friends and be active
Action 11
Explore and implement initiatives that target cost barriers to participation and support young people to take part in recreation activities.
Priorities for young people
Increase access to community spaces and sport and recreation activities in order to build and maintain social connections and to address increased reports of loneliness.
Action lead and support
Lead: Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing
Support: Department of Human Services
Implementation timeline
Year 1
Action 12
Investigate and develop a pilot program to use existing school or community equipment and/or facilities to provide low-cost, semi-structured sport and recreation activities outside of school hours.
Priorities for young people
Increase access to community spaces and sport and recreation activities in order to build and maintain social connections and to address increased reports of loneliness.
Action lead and support
Lead: Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and Department of Education
Support: Preventive Health SA and Department of Human Services
Implementation timeline
Year 2
Action 13
Support local councils and communities to create opportunities for social connections with young people through sport, art and cultural experiences, nature play and other recreation activities.
Priorities for young people
Increase access to community spaces and sport and recreation activities in order to build and maintain social connections and to address increased reports of loneliness.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Human Services and Local Government Association South Australia
Support: Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Preventive Health SA and Department of Premier and Cabinet
Implementation timeline
Year 3
“Develop initiatives that highlight the connection between mental health and physical wellbeing, promoting a holistic approach”
Key theme 4: Transition to adulthood – young people are supported to become independent adults and reach their potential
Action 14
Increase the awareness and capacity of community-based life skills programs.
Priorities for young people
Support to prepare young people for adulthood and independence.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Human Services
Implementation timeline
Year 2
Action 15
Provide housing support for young people pursuing education and employment.
Priorities for young people
Increase post-school pathways support, especially for Aboriginal young people.
Action lead and support
Lead: South Australian Housing Trust
Implementation timeline
Year 1
Action 16
Support secondary schools to embed quality career education and guidance that develops students’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions, through a system-wide strategy encompassing a planned program of learning experiences that provides opportunities for career exploration and discovery, structured workplace learning opportunities and individualised support to successfully transition to their post-school pathway.
Priorities for young people
Increase post-school pathways support, especially for Aboriginal young people, and young people with disability and/or neurodivergence.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Education
Support: Department of Human Services
Implementation timeline
Year 1
Action 17
Improve educational outcomes, skills development, and career readiness for Aboriginal young peoples.
Priorities for young people
Increase post-school pathways support, especially for Aboriginal young people.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Education and Department of Human Services
Implementation timeline
Year 1
“We all should get equal opportunities and that those from disadvantage are identified and are not left behind”
Action 18
Support education and career pathways for SACE and non-SACE community language school students.
Priorities for young people
Increase post-school pathways support, especially for Aboriginal young people, and young people with disability and/or neurodivergence.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Premier and Cabinet
Implementation timeline
Year 2
Action 19
Explore innovative ways to increase drivers licence attainment and the capacity of driving programs, particularly for young people with limited family support to obtain a licence.
Priorities for young people
Support to travel or gain a driver’s licence to support independence and attend education, work, and pursue recreation opportunities.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Human Services
Support: Local Government Association South Australia, Department of Infrastructure and Transport and Department of Child Protection
Implementation timeline
Year 4
“Transitioning to adulthood is a challenging and valuable time for young mob. The support we receive shapes the adults we become. The more support we receive, the better adults and people”
Action 20
Develop a youth-led campaign to promote volunteering opportunities and the benefits of volunteering, such as skill development, experience, connection and attainment of SACE credits.
Priorities for young people
Increase meaningful volunteer opportunities for young people to develop the skills and knowledge they require to enter the workforce, particularly in regional areas and for young people with disability.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Human Services
Implementation timeline
Year 2
“Transitioning to adulthood is a challenging and valuable time for young mob. The support we receive shapes the adults we become. The more support we receive, the better adults and people we become”
Key theme 5: Housing and cost of living – young people have access to safe and secure housing and have the necessities to thrive
Action 21
Increase the supply of affordable housing that meets the needs of young people, including partnerships.
Priorities for young people
Increase the availability and affordability of housing for young people.
Action lead and support
Lead: South Australian Housing Trust
Implementation timeline
Year 1
Action 22
Create fairer housing conditions and opportunities for young people.
Priorities for young people
Improve the security of housing for young people experiencing vulnerability, such as Aboriginal young people and young people leaving out-of-home care.
Action lead and support
Lead: South Australian Housing Trust
Support: Attorney-General's Department
Implementation timeline
Year 1
Everyone has a right to housing and to feel safe, so this would be a huge help to many young people
Action 23
Support young people leaving care to access secure long-term housing.
Priorities for young people
Improve the security of housing for young people experiencing vulnerability, such as Aboriginal young people and young people leaving out-of-home care.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Premier and Cabinet
Support: South Australian Housing Trust and Department of Human Services
Implementation timeline
Year 4
Action 24
Improve access to home internet for families and provide free laptops to high school students on school card.
Priorities for young people
Strengthen financial support for young people experiencing vulnerability.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Education
Implementation timeline
Year 1
“I hope people start to listen to us, because this is our future and we deserve to be heard”
Key theme 6: Participation – young people have a voice in decisions that impact them and their community
Action 25
Support the establishment of youth engagement processes across South Australia and improve connection and idea sharing between them and policy makers.
Priorities for young people
Involve young people in designing and implementing policies and initiatives that affect them.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Human Services and Local Government Association South Australia
Implementation timeline
Year 3
“Having a voice in community can help youth and myself feel heard and valued, and we get to have a say in our future”
Action 26
State government agencies will seek input from young people on policies and initiatives which affect them, in particular working towards Closing the Gap Priority Reform One: Formal partnerships and shared decision making.
Priorities for young people
Involve young people in designing and implementing policies and initiatives that affect them.
Action lead and support
Lead: All
Support: Department of Human Services
Implementation timeline
Year 2
Action 27
Implement innovative ways to encourage and reduce barriers to young people participating in engagement activities, supporting diverse representation.
Priorities for young people
Diversify participation to ensure young people with different experiences and needs are considered in the development of policies and initiatives, such as Aboriginal young people from regional and remote locations, young carers, and young people with disability and/or neurodivergence.
Action lead and support
Lead: Department of Human Services
Support: Local Government Association South Australia
Implementation timeline
Year 2
Young people actually have a lot of solutions, they have a lot of lived experience on issues which affect them, and it doesn’t make sense not to include them in the discussion about young people.
Summary of agencies and their actions
| Abbreviation | Name of agency | Number of actions as lead | Number of actions as support |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHS | Department of Human Services | 11 | 8 |
| DfE | Department of Education | 9 | 1 |
| SAHT | South Australian Housing Trust | 3 | 1 |
| ORSR | Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing | 3 | 1 |
| LGA | LGA (Local Government Association) South Australia | 2 | 3 |
| SAH | SA Health | 1 | 3 |
| DCP | Department of Child Protection | 2 | 2 |
| DPC | Department of Premier and Cabinet | 2 | 1 |
| PHSA | Preventive Health SA | 0 | 5 |
| AGD | Attorney-General's Department | 0 | 1 |
| DIT | Department for Infrastructure and Transport | 0 | 1 |
Measuring and reporting on progress
Young people have called for real, measurable change. The State Government is committed to monitoring the progress of these actions to assess their impact and guide future policies and initiatives.
The Department of Human Services will develop an evaluation framework in collaboration with agencies, to quantify the impact of the actions, and report on action completion when the plan expires.