Next generation takes over State Parliament

The 23^rd YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament is now in session.

Youth Minister Di Farmer welcomed 93 young people, one from each state electorate, as they took their seats in the Queensland Parliament Legislative Assembly Chamber to debate and vote on issues of their choosing.

“Today it is the next generation of Queensland politicians taking centre stage as influencers and decision makers and I am really looking forward to hearing what they have to say,” Ms Farmer said.

“It is great to see young people show their passion for causes, present their ideas and solutions and listen to them as they attempt to persuade their fellow parliamentarians.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for them to experience democracy in such an historic setting.”

Ms Farmer said she was encouraged by the number of young people interested in politics.

“This year the YMCA received 250 nominations from young people aged 15 to 25 seeking to be part of the 23^rd Youth Parliament,” she said.

“From this group 93 were chosen to represent each electorate in Queensland.

“They have been working hard since their nomination in April to research and write bills and ready themselves to debate their ideas.

“The enthusiasm these young people show gives me confidence that our political process will be in safe hands into the future.”

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

“This is a great opportunity for these future leaders to be fully immersed in the political process and vote on a range of issues that are important to young people,” she said.

Ms Farmer said the QYP program was all about encouraging Queensland’s future leaders which is why the State Government provides the YMCA with more than $65,000 a year to fund the program.

“As part of the program the young parliamentarians have been given the opportunity to work closely with their local Members of Parliament,” she said.

“It has been a great opportunity to hear what younger people are saying about hot issues of today and it has been very rewarding for me to work alongside the Young Member for Bulimba, Ellem Alexander.

“I trust all politicians found the experience as rewarding as I did.”

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.

Ms Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government wants a society where the voices of all young people are heard, respected and acknowledged.

“I encourage all young people to access the Youth eHub which has been developed by the government as a safe space where young people can discuss what’s important to them.”

 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

Media:  3719 7336