Local Government Engaging Young People Engaging Education Queensland: Toowoomba City Council’s Response to Change

Uhr R¹*, Bates D²*

1. Local Government Association of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
2. Toowoomba Shire Council, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

The Queensland Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Training released the Education and Training Reforms for the Future (ETRF): A White Paper (2002). The ETRF reforms have resulted in amendments to the Education (General Provisions) Act 1989 and the Training and Employment Act (2000). These amendments are currently trialled with all aspects of reform to be completed by 2006.

Individual regions/districts throughout Queensland have established District Youth Achievement Plans – community plans that explore, develop, implement and identify localised education, training and employment options and opportunities. Toowoomba City Council saw this as an opportunity to engage and consult with young people and the broader community, develop partnerships and to explore creative and innovative education and economic opportunities.

The workshop will aim to explore the relationship between Local and State Government and how they can engage young people in effective consultation process utilising sustainable methods.