News

Youth | February 19, 2016

Youth Parliament opportunity

Young regional leaders who want to influence State Government decision making are encouraged to apply for the YMCA’s Youth Parliament program before 7 April to have their views heard.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP said this year’s program would give 120 young people aged between 16 to 25 years, an introduction into the workings of State Parliament.

“Since Youth Parliament began in 1987, more than 20 bills raised by young people have become law, which highlights the importance of this program and the contribution young people make to our society,” Ms Kealy said.

“This really is a proven way for young people to influence government decision-making, where we’ve seen issues such as the mandatory wearing of bike helmets and nightclub safety reforms later passed as law,” she said.

Ms Kealy said during the nine-day training program participants would learn about public speaking, leadership skills, teamwork and also have the chance to speak up for what they believed in.

“For the last three days of the program, participants ‘take over’ Parliament, debating bills in the Parliamentary Chambers before handing them over for Government consideration,” Ms Kealy said. 

“This is an exciting opportunity for young people from across the state to come together to raise and debate issues they are passionate about, and I urge all young leaders from across the Lowan Electorate to apply,” she said.

Youth Parliament will sit during June 2016 and applications are available at www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au