FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch is encouraging young Indigenous people from Far North Queensland to apply now for this year’s National Indigenous Youth Parliament to be held in Canberra in May.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to participate in a week-long leadership program and receive expert training in how government works, public speaking and dealing with the media,” Mr Entsch said.
“I urge any young Indigenous person in our region who is passionate about issues that affect them and their community, and interested in learning about parliament and how laws are made, to apply to participate in the youth parliament.
“NIYP offers the chance to gain skills and knowledge and the chance to meet future Indigenous leaders from all around the country, who are interested in making a difference for their communities.”
The centrepiece of NIYP is a two-day simulated parliament in the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra on 31 May and 1 June 2014. Participants will debate bills on issues that affect their communities. The bills will be presented to the Government and the Opposition for consideration in developing relevant policies.
“The youth parliament coincides with a parliamentary sitting week in Canberra and I look forward to meeting this year’s youth parliamentarians and discussing the issues concerning them,” Mr Entsch said.
“No specific skills or experience are required to apply for NIYP, apart from a desire to have a say in what’s going on in your community.”
In 2012, at the inaugural NIYP, Far North Queensland was proudly represented by four local young people:
Quynira MCKEOWN Horn Island 17 years
Aldene REUBEN Bamaga 22 years
Brayden GROGAN Mareeba 17 years
Toriann DE BOSCH Cairns 17 years
“I had the privilege of meeting up with these youth ambassadors in Canberra during their last visit and I was so impressed they are the future leaders of our region,” Mr Entsch said.
NIYP is for Indigenous Australians aged 16 to 25 and will be held from 28 May to 3 June 2014.
Young Indigenous Australians must apply no later than Monday 10 March 2014. Participants will be chosen based on their ideas, their interest in government and their potential leadership skills. To apply, click on the icon below;
The Youth Parliament is run by the Australian Electoral Commission in collaboration with the YMCA and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
