Future leaders champion water safety in youth parliament push

A TRIO of young advocates from Geelong’s Victorian youth parliament team have taken their push for improved water safety to Bellarine MP Alison Marchant for advice.

The young leaders – Georgia Neicho, 17, Taia Hayter, 23, and Hayden Digby, 23 – hosted an hour-long meeting with Ms Marchant last Wednesday to run the MP through a draft bill they have prepared on the topic of water safety.

The full details of the bill will be released when it is debated in state parliament, as part of the youth program, in July.

“As a team, we are really hoping this bill opens up more conversations in swim safety that aren’t talked about as much,” Ms Hayter said.

“We tried really hard to create topics that haven’t been discussed as much to make water safer for everyone.”

This year marks the City of Greater Geelong’s second entering a local team in the annual youth parliament program, which aims to teach participants about the Victorian legislative system and provide a platform for young people to influence state legislation on the issues important to them.

This year’s youth parliamentarians will come together in July for a sitting week which will see them introduce, debate and vote on several bills. Those that pass will be formally presented to Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman, who will then disseminate them to the relevant state MPs for consideration.

Ms Marchant said the youth parliament program provides young Victorians with a valuable opportunity to have their voices heard, grow as leaders and drive real change.

“I look forward to seeing them take the floor in parliament and advocate for the issues that matter most to their communities,” she said.

Deputy mayor Ron Nelson congratulated the local youth parliament team on their drive and advocacy.

“Hayden, Taia and Georgia did so well to use their voices and connect with a sitting member of parliament – something most people would be a bit nervous to do,” he said.

“There are many challenges that young people and the broader community are facing in our region and it’s so important to hear directly from those affected by these issues.

“I thank the youth parliament for speaking up and hope their bill can make way for change.”