Lachlan joins Victorian Youth Congress

ARMSTRONG Creek teenager Lachlan Houen hopes he can get the next generation more engaged in politics as part of his time in the 2019 Victorian Youth Congress.

The Geelong College student was one of 19 young people aged 13-24 from across Victoria chosen for the state government’s second Youth Congress, which will discuss issues affecting young Victorians and help to shape government policies, programs and services.

Lachlan applied after learning about the program on the Youth Central website.

“It was the opportunity of leadership and the idea of being able to help people, especially young people, because obviously I’m one of them so I feel passionate about supporting them and leading by example,” he said.

The 16-year-old said this year’s Youth Congress would focus on youth political engagement.

“There’s a severe lack of help and support in that area.

“It’s about knowledge of opportunities within youth. There’s so many ways – volunteering with political parties, getting involved within school political programs, all of that sort of stuff – but there’s a lot of people who don’t really know about those opportunities.

“There’s a lot of people that once they hit 18, they’re not really sure what’s happening within the political system, they don’t know what voting is, how they vote… so we’re aiming to get them more involved and more engaged so we become a more informed society, regarding politics.”

The Youth Congress will have its next meeting on February 1.

Minister for Youth Gabrielle Williams inducted the congress on January 13.

“I’m really excited to meet these talented and inspiring young people who are so committed to making life better for young people in Victoria,” she said.

“Youth Congress members will provide advice to the Government on key issues affecting young people over the next 12 months – their thoughts and opinions will create change for the better.”