NIYEC has been engaged by the Australian Government to lead national consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 16–28 to help shape the new First Nations Education Policy — the first update since 1989. This is a meaningful opportunity for young mob to have a real say in a national policy that will directly influence education systems and futures.
This work also builds on the foundations of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Congress, where young mob shared their strong desire for genuine voice and direct pathways to influence education policy and decision-making.
We will be hosting four online youth consultation workshops on the following dates:
Tuesday 17 March 2026: 3:00pm – 4:00pm VIC Time
Thursday 19 March 2026: 1:00pm – 2:00pm VIC Time
Tuesday 24 March 2026: 2:00pm – 3:00pm VIC Time
Thursday 26 March 2026: 4:00pm – 5:00pm VIC Time
Each workshop will run for 1 hour and will explore the following themes:
An introduction to the First Nations Education Policy
Reflecting on our learning journeys and lived experiences
Dream designing school and education futures
Identifying the supports young people need to thrive in their learning journeys
A small stipend in a form of an electronic gift card will be provided for participating in the online consultations.
These workshops are open to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people aged 16–28, and you do not need to be studying or working in education to attend. All perspectives and lived experiences are welcome.