Too young to be heard? Not anymore. This is a new plan for young people, by young people – and it’s filled with practical steps to improve SA right now. Check it out.
Ever felt like big decisions about your life get made by people who’ve forgotten what it’s like to be young? South Australia’s new Youth Action Plan 2025-2028 flips that script.
Yes, it’s a state government plan – but Gen Z was genuinely at the table, shaping real solutions for real problems, like jobs, mental health and paying the bills.
Zane LeBlond, Chair of the Youth Ministerial Advisory Council (YMAC), started advocating for youth voices to be heard during the pandemic because he saw firsthand how isolated and unheard young people felt.
“COVID made things clear – young people were feeling completely disconnected,” he says.
“It was tough seeing friends struggling, feeling lost, and realising their voices weren’t being heard.”
A generation that’s had it tough
Today’s young people have faced one crisis after another – COVID-19, worsening mental health pressures, an escalating climate crisis, and now the relentless cost-of-living crunch.
This generation needs targeted, practical support more than ever.
Zane helped craft South Australia’s Youth Action Plan through his role as Chair of the Youth Minister’s Advisory Council and membership of the Plan’s Steering Committee. “Young people were directly involved,” he says.
“Normally, decisions like these are made without us. But this time, we were right there, editing wording line by line. It felt pretty cool.”
After three years and input from about 1,000 South Australians – including more than 850 young voices, the Youth Action Plan 2025-2028 is finally here.
What exactly is the Youth Action Plan?
In a nutshell, it’s a practical blueprint created by and for young South Australians:
- Who it’s for: Young people aged 12-25.
- What it covers: 27 achievable actions across six key areas:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Connection to services and information
- Recreation, community spaces and activities
- Transition to adulthood
- Housing and cost of living
- Participation
Zane says every action is measurable and practical. The plan specifically targets young people who often go unheard – including Aboriginal youth, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, carers, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, those living in regional and remote areas, and anyone experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
As Zane says, “It was powerful seeing groups like carers, regional youth, and young people with disabilities speaking up. Everyone needs to feel heard.”
Real solutions, not wishful thinking
Let’s face it – “government plan” usually sounds about as exciting as dry toast. But this one’s a little different.
“Our advice was not to promise something we knew we couldn’t deliver,” Zane stresses. “Every action had to be something you can tick off and prove you’ve done.”
One standout practical action will be a centralised digital hub packed with essential adulting resources, from navigating job options and budgeting to accessing mental health support – all without bureaucratic red tape.
A sneak peek at some standout actions
Beyond the digital platform, the Youth Action Plan addresses:
- Life skills made easier: Grants of up to $15,000 teaching essential skills like budgeting, meal prep, car maintenance, and more.
- Learner driver support: Funding to help young people get their licences, boosting independence and job prospects.
- Mental health boost: Enhanced mental health support, including the creation of non-clinical peer-to-peer programs and support specifically for regional and remote areas.
- Wellbeing in schools: Review and strengthen programs in every state government school on consent and respectful relationships, bullying prevention – particularly for LGBTIQA+ students – and alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
- Women’s health: Increase the number of sports clubs and community hubs with accessible menstrual products.
Cost of living stressing you out? Here’s the plan
Ask any young South Australian what keeps them awake at night, and it’s probably financial pressures.
Zane notes young South Australians consistently raise concerns about financial stress. The plan targets practical solutions – financial literacy programs, affordable training, and clearer routes into secure jobs.
“Knowing your options, especially around affordable training, makes a massive difference,” Zane says. “Not everyone’s path looks the same. Flexibility is key.”
Uni isn’t your thing? No worries
Speaking of flexibility, Zane says the plan acknowledges different paths to success.
“University isn’t the only successful route,” he says. “Some prefer hands-on apprenticeships or need different types of training due to caring responsibilities or disabilities. This plan recognises that.”
Expect new initiatives supporting vocational training, online learning, and tailored apprenticeships – creating an inclusive, accessible workforce reflecting our communities.
Mental health and climate action: still top priorities
Financial pressures might dominate headlines, but mental health and climate change remain critical.
“Young people consistently rank climate change and mental health as major worries,” Zane notes. “Ongoing support isn’t optional; it’s essential.”
The plan ensures reliable mental health resources and actionable climate solutions, focusing on sustainability education and green careers.
Zane stresses that accountability is what sets this plan apart.
“Making promises that can’t be delivered weakens trust,” he says. “By being part of planning, we’re holding decision-makers accountable to actually follow through.”
Want to see exactly how the Youth Action Plan 2025-2028 can help you? Check it out here.
