The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) and the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) have formed a partnership in Mackay to promote young people’s participation in electoral matters.
People taking part in the FYA’s Young Mayors program are to have their first look at democracy in action by voting in the region’s inaugural Youth Council election.
Mackay Regional Council is the first in Queensland to pilot the program.
Electoral Commissioner, Pat Vidgen said the ECQ was particularly keen to encourage young people who were aged 16 or 17 years to provisionally enrol to vote, so that when they turned 18 they were on the electoral roll.
“Importantly, the program will inspire young people to learn about the electoral system and how they can influence decisions that impact their community,” Mr Vidgen said.
“The Young Mayors program will support people aged 17 and under to get elected to a Youth Council, positioning them as decision-makers on issues that impact their future in the Mackay region.”
He said that over the course of a week in May, young people would experience an election campaign and a week of voting to elect a 12-seat Youth Council.
The Youth Council would then nominate a Young Mayor, set an agenda for their 12-month term in office and work with the Mackay Regional Council on specific issues.
Executive Director of Civic and Cultural Engagement at the FYA, Molly Whelan said Local Governments played a huge role in the everyday lives of people in Queensland communities.
“That includes young people, but young people are often locked out of power — consulted but never in charge,” Ms Whelan said.
“This program puts young people in the driver’s seat, ensuring that Council policies and programs better reflect the concerns, needs, and desires of local young people.”
