About Us

What is the Office of Youth Affairs?

The Office of Youth Affairs is a central co-ordination agency located in the Department of Health and Families. The office provides a whole-of-government approach to policy priorities for young people aged 12 to 25 years and develops effective communication links between young people, Government and the wider community.

The office supports initiatives that improve young Territorians’ personal wellbeing, promotes their positive achievements and assists them to reach their goals. In addition, the office supports events and activities that provide positive recreational and developmental opportunities for young Territorians.

Guiding Principles

OYA believes that the following principles should underpin any program or service that is developed for young Territorians:

• Respect
• Diversity
• Access
• Empowerment
• Equity
• Co-ordination

Our Programs and Services

Major activities of OYA include:

• Youth Minister’s Round Table of Young Territorians
• Youth Regional Consultations
• National Youth Week
• Youth Engagement Grants Program
• Sponsorship of Awards
• Co-ordination, monitoring and review of the Northern Territory Government’s Youth Policy Framework
• Youth Research

Our Clients and Stakeholders

Our main clients and stakeholders include:

• Young Territorians
• The Chief Minister and Minister for Young Territorians
• Northern Territory Public Sector agencies
• Non-government organisations, including the youth sector
• The media
• The wider community, including the private sector and individuals that have an interest in the services we provide.