Calling aspiring young politicians: applications are now open for young people between 15 and 25 years to join the 2013 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the youth parliament was a great opportunity for young people to stand up and take part in the democratic process.
“The YMCA Youth Parliament is a wonderful program that gives young people valuable skills and experience to help prepare them to become future community leaders,” Mr Bennett said.
“The practical program develops debating, negotiating and leadership skills and participants then put these skills to the test at Parliament House in Brisbane in September.
“Youth Members get an insider’s look at what it’s like to be a parliamentarian, learning about parliamentary rules, writing bills and debating them in the parliamentary chamber.
“It’s great to see firsthand the enthusiasm and excitement of all the young people who get involved. Last year’s Youth Parliamentarians Chern’ee Sutton and Jade Johnson had a fantastic time, with Chern’ee describing it as, ‘one of the best weeks of my life’.
The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, in its 18th year, is made up of representatives from the 89 state electorates with an additional four positions for Indigenous electorates.
More than 1500 young people have participated in the program and have gone on to fulfil varied roles in the community including members of parliament, doctors, miners, lawyers and army personnel.
Past participant and 2010 Young Queenslander of the Year Yassmin Abdel-Magied established Youth without Borders, a youth-run organisation that aids development, links, networking and support for youth and their wider communities internationally.
Former Youth Member for Condamine 2010-11 Helen Lane has taken on the role of YMCA Youth Parliament coordinator from this year.
“I am looking forward to a challenging and rewarding year,” Ms Lane said.
“This program changes lives and I am so humbled that I have the opportunity to contribute to making 2013 the best year yet.”
The Newman Government provides $56,000 annually to assist the YMCA deliver the six month program and ensure young people needing assistance to take part are able to do so.
Mr Bennett and Ms Lane called on young Queenslanders who want to get involved to apply for this rewarding experience.
Teachers, parents and community representatives are also encouraged to support young people who they think would be great candidates to apply.
Applications close 22 February 2013 and information is available from http://www.ymcaqyp.org/.
More information on the Newman Government’s youth programs and services can be found at www.qld.gov.au/youth.