Earlier this month, participants raised and debated important issues relevant to their committees by preparing Youth Bills across a range of portfolios including Environment and Climate Change; Mental Health; Justice; Aboriginal Affairs, Education, Women’s Affairs, and Inclusion and Diversity.
As NSW’s premier youth empowerment program operating for over 20 years, Youth Parliament offered young people the opportunity to debate in NSW Parliament, create Youth Bills on issues for change, and have their voices and recommendations heard by Members of Parliament.
Aimed at young people in Years 10 to 12 or equivalent age, the Y NSW Youth Parliament highlights the power of young people speaking on issues that are important to them and their local communities.
Y NSW CEO Susannah Le Bron said the Youth Parliament cohort received training from the Y NSW, youth volunteers, participants and external professional bodies.
“In the last 10 years, approximately 1,000 young people have participated in the program and this year we had 93 participants from a diverse range of backgrounds including those from rural areas as well as First Nations young people, refugees and people living with a disability,” she said.
“Every participant’s potential to lead, learn and connect is nurtured through parliamentary education, community engagement, confidence building and teamwork.
“They develop their skills in creating social impact and positive change in a diverse, inclusive, safe and supportive environment.”
Rachel Lao, a 17-year-old student, said the Youth Parliament program provided the unique opportunity to not only connect with people who had various perspectives, but who were willing to debate diplomatically about social issues.
“Young people’s voices are more important than ever before and I think that it’s really encouraging to see the activism of our generation,” Rachel said.
