The Department of Communities has announced that applications for the YMCA WA 2023 Youth Parliament were now open.
Members of Youth Parliament will have the opportunity to gather in the Houses of the Western Australian Parliament to debate Bills, giving them first-hand experience of the State’s parliamentary processes.
In a statement, the Department said 2023 marked the 28th year of the Youth Parliament whose members were given practical experience in leadership, public speaking, writing legislation and working as a team to achieve outcomes.
“Participants will debate legislation after working in committees to develop a Bill regarding an issue they are passionate about,” the Department said.
It noted that 59 young people had participated in the 2022 Youth Parliament, where eight Bills were presented.
“Bills debated in 2022 covered areas such as art therapy, children’s justice, education, electronic waste reduction, health, housing affordability, environmental education and Local Government reform,” the Department said.
The 2023 Youth Parliament program is a year-long initiative that features a residential camp from 9-to-14 July.
The program will be officially opened with a ceremony at Parliament House on 10 July. Following the opening ceremony, Youth Parliament will convene for three days in Parliament House.
Minister for Youth, Simone McGurk said political participation was essential for a healthy democracy “and I would encourage young people who want to create change to step up and have their voices heard”.
Applications, from people aged 15-to-25, close on 26 March with more information about the Youth parliament at this PS News link.
