16/05/2018
Peter Khalil, the Federal Member for Wills, has convened the first meeting of the newly established Wills Youth Advisory Committee (WYAC).
Following an expression of interest process, twelve young residents of the Wills electorate, aged between 15 and 24, were appointed to the committee which will meet bi-monthly. The WYAC’s mission statement is to provide advice to the Federal Member for Wills about issues of importance to young people.
“The Wills Youth Advisory committee was established to give young people in electorate a seat at the table when it comes to youth affairs and policy,” said Mr Khalil.
“In my visits to schools, community groups and sports clubs, I’ve been fortunate to meet so many talented and engaged young people with a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and interests. I thought it could be useful to get some of these people into a room so we can work together and that’s what we’re doing in establishing a Youth Advisory Committee for my electorate.”
At Tuesday night’s meeting, a Chair and two co-deputy Chairs were elected for a term of six months. Kosta Vassilacopoulos, who was elected as the committee’s Chair, said,
“I’m honoured to have been elected Chair of the Wills Youth Advisory Committee, which is a fantastic initiative by our local member, Peter Khalil”
“The committee members and I are all very excited to get to work,” said Mr Vassilacopoulos.
The committee also decided that its first project will focus on young worker’s rights, including raising awareness about entitlements, awards and superannuation and tax information.
Three sub-committees were formed, with a view to conducting stakeholder consultations and events, before delivering its recommendations in early 2019.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with current and future members of the committee to help guide my work as the Federal Member,” said Mr Khalil.
The current committee’s term will be twelve months.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the office of Peter Khalil MP on (03) 9354 5777, via email to Peter.Khalil.MP@aph.gov.au, or in person at 3 Munro Street, Coburg.
