About Speak OUT
Speak OUT opportunities give young Queenslanders aged 12–25 the opportunity to share your ideas, experiences, and priorities with government and puts you at the centre of decisions that shape your communities.
Your feedback is shared with relevant Queensland Government agencies and helps shape policies, programs, and services that affect young people across the state.
How to get involved
Whether you’re passionate about mental health, education, cost of living, climate action, or community wellbeing, there are several ways you can participate in Speak OUT opportunities to have your say and help shape Queensland’s future.
Complete the Speak OUT survey
The Speak OUT survey is a quick and easy way to tell the Queensland Government what’s important to you to help inform future policies and programs.
The survey is anonymous and always open, so you can share your ideas whenever you like.
Attend a Speak OUT event
Speak OUT events are held across Queensland and provide opportunities for you to talk directly with government representatives.
These events are a great way to share your views, raise important issues, and influence government decision-making on matters that impact your life.
Events may include stalls at youth-focused events such as Schoolies and university O-Weeks, in-person workshops, online discussions, and collaborations with other government agencies.
Participate in other opportunities
- Visit the Have your say website to take part in statewide consultations and surveys.
- Nominate for the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (16–25 years).
- Apply for the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (open to First Nations young people aged 18–25).
- Add your name to the Queensland Register of Nominees to Government Boards.
- Enrol to vote (if you’re 16 years or older) and have your say in elections.
- Join a local youth group or advisory council to connect with others and influence your community.
- Contact your local Member of Parliament to share your ideas and ask questions.
2024–25 Speak OUT highlights
In 2024–25, the Queensland Government’s Office for Youth connected with over 3,700 young Queenslanders through Speak OUT events across the state.
These events identified a range of issues that are important to young people, including:
- Mental health.
- Cost of living.
- Physical health.
- Identity and culture.
- Education and training.
- Housing.
- Climate change and the environment.
- Learning life skills.
- Finances and money.
- Learning skills to manage emotions.
Key insights from young Queenslanders
- Mental health: The most significant concern, with 56.6% of respondents identifying it as one of their top five issues. Young people highlighted the strong links between mental health and other areas such as education, employment, housing, and substance use. They also raised concerns about limited access to mental health services, particularly in regional areas.
- Cost of living: The second most pressing issue, with 30.1% of respondents identifying it as a top concern. Young people described cost-of-living pressures as barriers to education, housing security, employment, independence, and mental wellbeing. These challenges were particularly significant for students, young workers, and those living independently or without family support.
- Physical health: Ranked third, with 44.1% of respondents selecting it as a top issue. Young people linked physical health to broader challenges, including mental wellbeing, the cost of living, access to healthy food, safe spaces for exercise, and healthcare services.
Read the Young Queenslanders Sentiment Report 2024–25 3.4 MB) to learn more about these issues.
Contact us
Contact the Office for Youth via email youth@hpw.qld.gov.au if you would like more information.