Youth parliament needs new pollies

THE Y Ballarat is seeking six young leaders to be part of their 2022 team of youth parliamentarians.

Any person between the ages of 16 and 25 can apply to participate in the free Y Victoria Youth Parliament program which will include six weekly meetings, a trip to Parliament House for debating, training, personal development opportunities, bill-writing, and two overnight camps.

Youth engagement coordinator Suze Larmer said last year’s team developed and presented a bill about improving public transport in Ballarat, while the 2022 group will focus theirs on the issues faced by young people in the LGBTIQA+ community.

“We’re inviting LGBTIQA+ youth to apply to be involved in the inclusive and respectful program,” Ms Larmer said.

“This is a space for them to use their skills, learn techniques to uplift their voices, and elevate whatever state-based cause they’re passionate about in that area,”

“Participating in Youth Parliament, they’ll have a greater understanding of the state and local government systems and policies, they’ll be briefed on how a parliament setting works, how to address the speaker and debate a bill, and will be connected with people in politics or government.”

Press gallery opportunities to tell the stories of youth parliament will be available to young people interested in journalism and the media, while a youth studio social enterprise will offer video and audio production training and resources.

“However much they want to put into it is how much they will get out of it. It’s very much youth-led and youth-centred,” Ms Larmer said.

“Applicants are required to have the capacity to go on two overnight camps, and there will be travel commitments, but it’s a lot of fun, and it’s all paid for.”

Expressions of interest close on Wednesday, 9 February, and can be made via an online form at bit.ly/3AMIBSh.