YAC Information Sheet

NSW Youth Advisory Committee 
Information Sheet

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) was established under the Youth Advisory Council Act (1989) to:

  • Advise the Government of New South Wales, through the Minister (for Youth) on matters of concern to young people and Government policies and programs concerning young people
  • Provide a channel of communication between the community and the Government in relation to matters concerning young people

The Council’s functions are to:

  • Advise the Minister on the planning, development, integration and implementation of Government policies and programs concerning young people
  • Consult with young people, community groups and Government authorities on issues and policies concerning young people
  • Monitor and evaluate legislation and Government policies and programs concerning young people and to recommend changes if required
  • Conduct forums, approved by the Minister on issues of interest to young people
    Collect, analyse and provide the Minister with information on issues and policies concerning young people

Appointments to the Youth Advisory Council are for up to 12 months.

The Council usually holds up to eight meetings per year.  The Council also hosts consultations and forums as set out in the Council’s functions listed above.

The Council has twelve members, and half of the members must be under the age of 25 years at the time of their appointment.


The Register of Government Boards and Advisory Committees

Young people applying for membership of the Youth Advisory Council can also apply to be included on the Register of Government Boards and Advisory Committees. 

NSW Government boards and committees play an important role in providing leadership, direction and accountability across every area of NSW Government activity.  There are more than 1,000 Government boards and committees with more than 5,000 members.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet maintains a register of people who have expressed an interest in being appointed to a government board or committee.  The Department of Premier and Cabinet encourages suitably qualified people from diverse backgrounds to apply to be included on the Register. The register includes a list of young people (aged 12 to 24 years) interested in being appointed to Government Boards and Advisory Committees.
Young people applying for membership of the Youth Advisory Council who want to be included on the Register of Government Boards and Advisory Committees should tick the box at the end of the Application Form for Membership of the Youth Advisory Council.