The Minister for Youth Affairs, Jenny Mikakos, officially opened the 29th YMCA Victorian Youth Parliament today.
120 Youth Parliament delegates from across the State - aged between 16 and 25 - will use the parliamentary chamber to debate 20 Bills over three sitting days.
The event will be covered by 18 aspiring journalists in the Youth Press Gallery.
Bills being debated this year include minimising the impact of ICE on Victorian communities, compulsory family violence education in schools, and free mental health first aid training in secondary schools.
Over the past 20 years more than 20 Bills passed by Youth Parliament have gone on to become law.
These include mandatory wearing of bike helmets, nightclub safety reforms and blood alcohol content for drivers accompanying learner drivers.
After the official closing ceremony on Thursday, Ms Mikakos will be responsible for presenting the Bills that have passed to the relevant government minister.
A signature event for young Victorians, YMCA runs Youth Parliament each year.
The Andrews Labor Government is proud to contribute $101,500 to the Youth Parliament and Youth Press Gallery programs annually.
Quotes attributed to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos:
“This is a very practical way of engaging with Victoria’s youth and hearing what they have to say.”
“I have always enjoyed my involvement with youth parliamentarians and the Bills suggest the standard of debate will be particularly high this year.”
"As well as being a great experience for aspiring politicians, it is a valuable experience for all young people to have a sound understanding of how parliament works .”
Reviewed 19 August 2020