The Defining Accountability report exists because, right now, adults, organisations and systems are not accountable to young people.

This report is a living collection of the knowledge and thinking hundreds of young people have shared over multiple years. It describes change that is being called for by young people with lived and living experiences of harm from current systems.

Building on a long history of First Nations young people and communities practising and calling for accountability to Country, community and young people, this report shares definitions and ideas about what ‘accountability to young people’ means, how it is practiced, and why it matters for everyone.

How to read this report:

Young people are defining accountability in rich, complex, and connected ways. Real accountability is all of this, all at once, all the time - it is an ongoing commitment.

Many young people have rarely, if ever, experienced these ideas in reality. This is because, even though there are many adults trying to make change who are working with young people in accountable ways, systems are not accountable to young people. 

Young people are generously sharing this truth to help adults understand the real void between what young people experience now and what they wish for future generations.

Keep an open mind:

• If some of what we share is brand new, can you stay with it? 

• If some of what we share is familiar, can you go deeper? 

• How can we embed accountability in every part of young people’s lives to ensure it is systemic and not dependent on individuals?

View and download the Defining Accountability report here: