“The biggest challenge since the last public health plan has been the health, social and economic ramifications of the COVID-19 epidemic that are still being felt to this day. Today, the challenges are now more complex and young people are faring poorly in national and state data sets, including in relation to mental health, impacts of living in poverty, experiences of social isolation and loneliness, and decreasing opportunities to play sport and be active in their own community.
I commend the focus in the Plan on children and young people as a vulnerable group as well as the inclusion of children and young people in the stakeholder conversations informing the Plan. Valuing children and young people’s voices and experience is essential to ensuring decision-makers implement laws and policies that will benefit the younger and future generations. As decision makers and advocates, we have a shared responsibility to ensure their opinions are recognised, shape solutions and can be acted upon.”
