Youth Peak Faces Funding Crisis

National Youth Affairs peak body, the Australian Youth Affairs Council, is preparing for the possible wind down of its national office including laying off staff due to Federal funding uncertainty.

The organisation, the latest iteration in a 30-year history of national youth affairs representation, will run out of Commonwealth funding on June 30 with no indication yet from the Federal Coalition of a return to its annual funding levels.

The organisation says it is looking at a new model of funding to try to keep the doors open and “future proof” its national representation.

“With the end of our current funding agreement in June, AYAC is aiming to transition to a new model that enables us to fulfill the essence of our role as a peak body without funding,” AYAC Executive Director, Gabi Rosenstreich, said.

“Our Board is therefore making some tough decisions to ensure that AYAC is able to continue to effectively fulfil its role representing young people and those who support them.”

Craig Comrie, Chair of AYAC's board, said: “We are working hard to make sure that there continues to be a national voice for young people and the sector regardless of Government’s ongoing commitment to peak body funding.

“We are still seeking a commitment from the Federal Government to assist us to fulfill the breadth of our role as national peak, however, the Board is working closely with the staff to develop an alternative model to future-proof AYAC so that we are not reliant on government funds to pursue the core of our mission.

“This transition has a major effect on all our staff, who are working very hard to ensure AYAC’s future as an effective national peak.

“As we transition to a new model, unless our current funding is extended, we will be winding down the permanent office and staff will gradually be finishing up.

“Over the next months all of AYAC’s time, energy and other resources will be focused on meeting existing commitments with funders and planning to secure our future."