Next week, the chambers of the NSW Parliament will witness a remarkable transformation as almost 70 dynamic young people step into the roles of parliamentarians for the 2024 Y NSW Youth Parliament Sitting Week.
From 9 to 11 July 2024, the Legislative Assembly will house youthful energy and innovative ideas as these participants, representing a diverse cross-section of New South Wales electorates, engage in a rigorous three-day legislative session.
The Y NSW Youth Parliament program, a premier youth empowerment initiative that has been shaping young leaders for over 20 years, offers high school students in Years 10 to 12 a unique platform to voice their concerns and propose solutions on issues critical to their communities.
Participants have been preparing Youth Bills across a variety of portfolios, including Aboriginal Affairs, Arts, Music and Culture, Education and Training, Housing and Homelessness, Justice, Rural and Regional Development and Women’s Affairs. These bills will be the focal point of debate during the sitting week, reflecting the participants’ commitment to advocating for meaningful change.
“The Y NSW Youth Parliament not only serves as a platform for young people to express their ideas and concerns, but also fosters the development of skills such as confidence, public speaking, critical thinking, and civic duty. Participants are empowered to be active and influential in shaping their communities,” explained the Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh.
As NSW’s leading youth empowerment initiative, Youth Parliament offers young people a unique opportunity to engage directly in the legislative process.
“The Youth Parliament program also marks a significant milestone in its commitment to inclusivity and representation. Participants this year hail from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, ensuring a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences,” added Mr Kennaugh.
Alyssa Jeffries is a 17-year-old from Illawarra who has returned to Youth Parliament in 2024 after completing the program in 2023. She believes youth parliament inspires the lives of young people to address issues within their lives and work together towards making meaningful change and impact within the community.
“The issue that I am most passionate about is gender-based violence. As a result I joined the Women’s Affairs Committee this year and we are currently making a bill on prevention of gender-based violence,” explained Alyssa.
“I think that needs to be a massive shift as to how we teach respectful relationships to students in high school. By writing our bill I hope that it will bring the attention to the forefront of politicians to spark change,” she added.
Over the last few months, Youth Parliamentarians have been diligently preparing their Youth Bills, conducting consultations with local communities, and engaging with industry experts during their committee meetings. The sitting week will culminate in the presentation and debate of these Youth Bills, reflecting the young participants’ deep commitment to their communities and leadership.
“The 2024 Youth Parliament Sitting Week promises to be a very special event, showcasing the passion, intelligence and civic engagement of NSW’s young people. The outcomes of this session will be presented to Members of Parliament and other key stakeholders, potentially influencing future policy decisions,” added Mr Kennaugh.
For the Y NSW’s 2024 Youth Parliament program there are 66 participants covering more than 53 per cent of the state’s electorates. Two parties were formed at the start of the Program, Future Horizons Party and Opportunity Builders Party.
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