NT Government releases 10-year youth strategy targeting mental health, wellbeing

The Northern Territory government has released its youth strategy for the next 10 years with a focus on prevention and early intervention. Read how it will influence policy here.

Youth mental health, affordable housing and drug and alcohol abuse are being addressed by the NT government in its newly released 10-year youth strategy.

The 10-year Northern Territory Youth Strategy 2023-2033 was presented by Youth Minister Lauren Moss on Friday, outlining the government’s vision for young Territorians to be “empowered to achieve their full potential”.

The Youth Strategy is the product of 50 stakeholders and consultation with “more than 200” young Territorians from regional visits across the territory.

The consultations found young people wanted to have a voice in the community, were concerned about mental health and drug and alcohol use, wanted to know more about access to specialist services, and were worried about the availability and affordability of housing.

Project Reference Group co-chair Jordan Humphreys, front left, and Youth Minister Lauren Moss, front right, celebrate the launch of the NT Youth Strategy with youth from the Malak Community Centre. Photo: supplied

Currently, 8.2 per cent of NT youth aged 0-24 are considered homeless in comparison to 0.6 per cent across Australia.

It also found young people were struggling with accessing quality education and saw a need for more post-school study and career options, particularly in remote and regional areas.

Young people also suggested crime and anti-social behaviour were some of the most challenging things about being a young Territorian.

The government’s strategy responds to these challenges through seven different “domains”.

The first places emphasis on connection to culture and community.

This includes proactively creating opportunities for young people to embrace self-determination, supporting young people to know their rights and identifying cultural roles and responsibilities relevant to Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse young people.

Affordability and access to basic housing was a key concern from youth, with 8.2 per cent of young people homeless in the Territory in comparison to 0.6 per cent across Australia.

Other domains focus on making sure young Territorians are financially secure and have material basics, are able to learn and contribute to the community, feel cared for and safe, are able to live healthily, have appropriate and secure housing and have a natural and built environment where they can thrive.

The document says three consecutive three-year action plans will progress key priorities of the strategy, with the first to be released later this year.

It said the implementation of the strategy would be overseen by the Youth Minister with the Project Reference Group and the Round Table.

Youth Minister Lauren Moss said the action plans would chart the practical steps needed to meet the aspirations of young Territorians.

Youth Minister Lauren Moss, alongside the Project Reference Group and Round Table, will oversee the implementation of the strategy into action plans. Picture: Contributed

“The Territory Labor Government has listened to young Territorians and now we have a comprehensive understanding of issues that matter to them,” she said.

“This is about empowering young people to achieve their full potential, so they can be socially connected, positive participants in their communities.”

NT Youth Strategy Project Reference Group co-chair Jordan Humphreys said young people had been “handed the reins” in the creation of the strategy.

“I’m optimistic this strategy provides a clear direction to the Northern Territory Government to elevate the lives of young Territorians,” he said.

Originally published as NT Government releases 10-year youth strategy targeting mental health, wellbeing