Katherine man to represent the views of young Australians

A Katherine man is one of 30 young Australians selected to represent the views of young people as members of the National Youth Roundtable 2005.

Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion, has announced Duwayne Joshua Murrungan has been selected to provide a valuable insight into the issues confronting his generation.

"The National Youth Roundtable provides the Australian Government with an important forum to hear from Australia's youth as well as giving the opportunity for young people to develop their knowledge and skills in managing community projects and liaising with government," Senator Scullion said.

Mr Murrungan, 20 was a teacher in the local drug intervention program. He is passionate about music and his Yilila Band won a Telstra Art Award in 2004. He is interested in Indigenous issues including health, drug use, sport, recreation, cultural and leadership issues.

Senator Scullion said this year's members were selected from all over Australia and include young Indigenous members, young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and a young person with a disability.

"Members will bring to the Roundtable a wide range of experiences and viewpoints, as they come from all States and Territories, metropolitan and regional areas and various cultural and educational backgrounds.

"The Government will work with the members to provide them with the practical tools and the confidence needed to bring forward their views on youth issues of national importance.

"The Australian Government remains committed to continuing to involve people through programs such as the National Youth Roundtable, giving Australia's leaders of tomorrow a voice today," Senator Scullion said.

The first formal meeting of the National Youth Roundtable will be held in Canberra from 2-9 September 2005. The National Youth Roundtable was established by the Australian Government in 1999 to give young people aged 15 to 24 years the opportunity to speak directly with the Government about issues important to them.

2005-08-04