Young people across Australia are being encouraged to apply for the Australian Government’s 2026 Youth Advisory Groups, including a new group focused on countering foreign interference.
The program, led by the Office for Youth in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, invites Australians aged 16 to 24 to share their experiences and ideas on how to strengthen community resilience against foreign influence.
Applications are open until 26 October 2025, with no prior experience required. The initiative aims to ensure diverse voices are represented, encouraging young people from all backgrounds to take part.
Through the Countering Foreign Interference Youth Advisory Group, participants will help inform how government policies are shaped to address growing concerns about misinformation and external influence on Australian society.
Other groups available in 2026 include the Climate Change and Water Youth Advisory Group, the First Nations Youth Advisory Group, the Mental Health Youth Advisory Group, and the Sports Participation Youth Advisory Group, which works with the Australian Sports Commission.
Each group collaborates directly with ministers and government agencies, giving participants a chance to influence real policy decisions. The Sports Participation Youth Advisory Group, for instance, supports the national Play Well strategy by making sport safer and more inclusive for young people.
An information session was held online on Tuesday, 21 October, providing details about the application process. Assistance is available for applicants who may need help completing their submissions, including flexible formats for entry.
The initiative forms part of the Australian Government’s broader effort to ensure young people are heard on issues that affect their future. Alongside the advisory groups, the National Youth Survey is now open, gathering views on topics such as cost of living, mental health, housing affordability, education, and training.
Young Australians can also take part in national youth consultations being held from August to October, with sessions planned in Alice Springs and Darwin among other locations.
For more information and to apply, click here.
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