Youth Parliament seeking next generation of leaders

Queensland’s aspiring young leaders aged 15-25 years are encouraged to put their hands up and nominate for this year’s YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

Minister for Youth Di Farmer said the long-running and successful youth leadership program could provide a wonderful stepping stone into fulfilling careers for young Queenslanders.

“The program helps young people hone their skills in leadership, public speaking, teamwork and influencing change,” she said.

“It also gives participants an opportunity to voice their community’s issues and concerns and learn all about parliamentary processes.

“Importantly this program connects young people with their peers and with parliamentarians, helping to create networks that can extend into their working life.”

There will be 93 young people selected to participate in the program, representing each one of Queensland’s state electorates.

Ms Farmer said selecting a participant from each electorate meant young people from right across the state had the opportunity to nominate.

“We particularly want to see nominations from people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, are from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans or Intersex community, who live with disability, are culturally and linguistically diverse or who are from rural and remote areas,” she said.

“Young people in Year 11 and 12 can receive one point toward their Queensland Certificate of Education after completing the program, as YMCA is accredited by the Queensland Studies Authority.

“The Queensland Government provides more than $65,000 per annum to the YMCA to run this wonderful program each year.”

Ms Farmer said the program would bring participants together in Brisbane in April 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 draft their Bills, and to design and implement community action plans,” she said.

Nominations close on Friday 23 February 2018.

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

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Ron Goodman                       0427 781 920