Future leaders assemble for Queensland’s 23rd Youth Parliament

Queensland’s future leaders have assembled at Parliament House for the state’s 23^rd Youth Parliament.

Minister for Youth Di Farmer last night  (Saturday 21 April) welcomed young leaders from all over Queensland as she officially launched the 2018 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

“The Youth Parliament is a unique opportunity for young people to be a voice for their community, learn about Queensland’s democratic process, share ideas and debate bills,” Ms Farmer said.

“It is an ideal platform for government to engage with young people and to hear their ideas about the future.

“This year the YMCA received 250 nominations from young Queenslanders from all over the state seeking to become part of the 23^rd Youth Parliament.

“The high number of nominations for the 93 places available is a wonderful reflection that Queensland’s next generation of leaders is eager to have its voices heard.”

Ms Farmer said Youth Members would build skills to influence community and public decision-making, gain an understanding of parliamentary processes and learn how to engage directly with government.

“They will also enhance their skills in leadership, public speaking, teamwork and in influencing change,” she said.

“The Youth Parliament process also connects young people with their peers and to parliamentarians.

“All members of the Youth Parliament are given the opportunity to work closely with their local Member of Parliament and I look forward to working alongside the Young Member for Bulimba, Phoebe Long.”

The Youth Parliament brings together representatives aged 15-25 from each of Queensland’s 93 state electorates. The State Government provides the YMCA with more than $65,000 a year to fund the program.

The Youth Members form committees, discuss ideas, and then return to Brisbane in September for a residential program and the opportunity to debate their Bills in Parliament House.

This year’s Youth Members represent Queensland’s diversity and include young people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTIQ, living with disability and who are culturally and linguistically diverse.

Another way to give young people a voice, a commitment in the Queensland Government’s Youth Strategy, is a Youth eHub which has been developed as a safe space where young people can discuss what’s important to them.

“This Queensland Government wants a state where the voices of young people are heard, respected and acknowledged,” Ms Farmer said.

For more information about the 2018 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament visit www.ymcaqyp.org.au

For more information about the Youth eHub visit

www.qld.gov.au/ehub

ENDS

Contact:                     Ron Goodman                        0427 781 920