Nominations open for YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

Young Queenslanders aged 15 to 25 can now apply to participate in 2016’s YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

Now in its 21^st year, the Youth Parliament program offers young people from across the state the opportunity to learn first-hand about the parliamentary process as well as interact with local members of Government.

Minister for Youth, Shannon Fentiman, said she encouraged all young Queenslanders who care about issues that affect their local community to apply for the program and have their voices heard.

“This is a great program that really empowers young people to take up new challenges, learn leadership skills, and of course, meet new people,” she said.

“Since 1996 Queensland’s Youth Parliament has brought young people together to experience what the democratic process is really like, and have a say about issues they are passionate about.

“It also provides members of Government the opportunity to engage with young people and hear their ideas.

“Young people have important opinions to share and they will help shape our future. Last year it was great to hear youth parliamentarians debate bills on key issues like domestic violence, the environment and the economy.”

Each year in April the program brings together 93 young people representing each electorate in the state along with four Indigenous representatives to form committees and discuss ideas, and again in September for a residential program and the opportunity to debate their bills at Parliament House.

Between April and September committees will connect in person, via phone, or internet to write their bills, and to design and implement community action plans.

Youth Parliament participants who are in Years 11 and 12 are also able to receive one point towards their Queensland Certificate of Education after completing the program as YMCA is now accredited by the Queensland Studies Authority.

The Queensland Government provides annual funding of $60,000 to YMCA Queensland to run the program.

Nominations will close on Thursday 25 February 2016.

For more information about the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament check out their Facebook page, email qypcoordinator@ymcabrisbane.org or go to www.ymcaqyp.org

Media Contact:  Minister Fentiman’s office 37197518