Young Queenslanders take over Parliament House

Eighty-nine young Queenslanders who are passionate about politics and youth issues have been chosen as members of the 12th annual YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

Youth Minister Warren Pitt said the YMCA Youth Parliament program provided a vital link between today’s legislators and tomorrow’s potential leaders.

Mr Pitt said the Queensland Government had been a major supporter and sponsor of the YMCA Youth Parliament since 1996 and had contributed more than $30,000 to ensure the success of this year’s program.

“This unique program gives young Queenslanders first-hand experience of how their Parliament and system of government operates and how they can help shape the future of their community and their state,” Mr Pitt said.

“Young people sometimes feel disillusioned about politics, yet I believe the Youth Parliament is playing an important role in making politics and policy making much more accessible.

“Our newest recruits have a busy six months ahead of them as they step into the shoes of a member of Parliament and see for themselves the challenges that all elected members face on a day-to-day basis.”

A total of 89 young people - virtually mirroring Queensland’s 89 electorates - has been selected to ensure balanced representation in the 12th Youth Parliament (see attached list).

Ronan Lee, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Pitt, will officially launch the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament today (Saturday, 14 April) at Parliament House.

“This exciting initiative gives young people the chance to learn more about democracy and the decision-making processes of the Queensland Parliament,” Mr Lee said.

“It also gives them the chance to improve their public speaking, debating and leadership skills. This program would certainly not be as successful as it is today without the level of commitment and enthusiasm shown by the participants and I congratulate them for their willingness and determination to make a positive impact in their communities.”

Mr Pitt said today’s Youth Parliament sitting coincided with the start of the 8th annual National Youth Week, which would continue until 22 April.

Media contacts:
 Ronan Lee, 0409 344 840 (available for interviews today) 
 YMCA Youth Parliament Nicola Strohal

YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament representatives – 2007

Electorate      Name

Albert Melissa Kerwin
Algester Amy Marmin
Ashgrove Thomas Stephenson
Aspley Julia Driver
Barron River Tyson Hayter
Beaudesert Keaton Jenner
Brisbane Central Jaclynn Slater
Broadwater Aleksandra Kostic
Bulimba Dami Ahn
Bundaberg Vanessa Christi
Bundamba Wayne Barram
Burdekin Matthew Higgins
Burleigh Josh Girvin
Burnett Bryce Nicol
Cairns Billy Colless
Callide Lucas Haynes
Caloundra Madeleine Kennedy
Capalaba Clare Anderson
Charters Towers Lachlan Cocks
Chatsworth Joe Ogilvie
Clayfield Tim Russell
Cleveland Brad Fuller
Cook Gaston Poi Poi
Cunningham Thomas Stewart
Currumbin Elyse McNeil
Darling Downs Matthew Harman
Everton Cassandra McCartney
Ferny Grove Eleanor Gregory
Fitzroy Mark Lord
Gaven Casandra Laurie
Gladstone Jay Morris
Glasshouse Samuel Williams
Greenslopes Levi Lako
Gregory Cassey Hughes
Gympie Tommy Bermingham
Hervey Bay Sarah Livingstone
Hinchinbrook Jonathan Pavetto
Inala Shannan Cullen
Indooroopilly Sheree O’Dwyer
Ipswich Gracie Potts
Ipswich West Fraser Creighton
Kallangur James Rail
Kawana Taylor Bunnag
Keppel Danielle Vujovich
Kurwongbah Elizabeth Lavarch
Lockyer Jessica Erhart
Logan Vanessa Devine
Lytton Callum Smith
Mackay Robert McKay
Mansfield Sasha Purcell
Maroochydore Samantha Hawthorne
Maryborough Paul Truscott
Mirani Rebecca Coward
Moggill Calum Smith
Mount Coot-tha Angus Robertson
Mount Gravatt Nathan Appo
Mount Isa Leree Pippenbacher
Mount Ommaney Lauren Mathiesen
Mudgeeraba Emily Pugin
Mulgrave Frederick Michna
Mundingburra Michael Liu
Murrumba Naomi Mollenhauer
Nanango Eryn Fox
Nicklin Elena Ryan
Noosa Kyla Watson
North West Murray Lehmann
Nudgee Renae Antuar
Pumicestone Riordan Moon
Redcliffe Sarah Hawkins
Redlands Elisha Brinnand
Robina Jillian Thomsen
Rockhampton Tiffany Lawrence
Sandgate Amy Thomas
South Brisbane Katrina Bukauskas
Southport Markus Johnston
Springwood Hayley Roberts
Stafford Kurt Hopkins
Stretton Alison Smith
Surfers Paradise Teagan Lowe
Tablelands Nikki Burnett
Thuringowa Jessica Smith
Toowoomba North Emma O’Connor
Toowoomba South Dale Joseph
Townsville Joshua Pryor
Warrego Amy Byrne
Waterford Sarah Wright
Whitsunday Kimberley Vlasic
Woodridge Nikki-Ann Tuarau
Yeerongpilly Daniel Farrington