Australia's largest youth survey has opened for young Australians aged 15 to 19 to talk about the big issues facing them.
Run by Mission Australia, the survey has, in the past, provided a platform for young people to share their personal concerns, aspirations and views on broader issues.
The survey results have been used by government and non-government organisations to inform policy initiatives and services that impact young people.
Last year's survey found that COVID-19 was the most important issue affecting young people with 38.8 per cent of respondents saying the pandemic was having a negative effect on young people's health, wellbeing and education.
Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister said life in a post-COVID world was changing rapidly which highlights the importance of listening to young people.
"For more than 20 years Mission Australia's Youth Survey has provided a critical platform for young people to communicate what is going on in their world," she said.
"We know from last years' results that they were heavily impacted by lockdowns and were severely affected in a range of ways including mental health, education and employment."
Last year's survey revealed that one in 20 participants had become homeless for the first time during the pandemic.
"Sadly, for Mission Australia's practitioners and others who have been working with young people during the pandemic, these findings are not a surprise. Yet we must not accept this as just the way things must be," Ms Callister said.
Ms Callister urged young Australians to get involved with the survey.
"Many don't feel heard, so this is a great opportunity to have a say and be part of change. The more respondents we have, the more insightful and robust the results will be," she said.
"Most of us know someone aged between 15 and 19, so let them know Mission Australia needs their help ... the survey takes less than 15 minutes."