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Youth Voice Takes Centre Stage

02 July 2018

Family violence services, compulsory closed captioning in Victorian cinemas and improving building accessibility are just a handful of the bills up for discussion this week, as part of the 32nd YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament.

Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos today joined 20 teams of youth parliamentarians at Parliament House to open proceedings for the three-day event, alongside Youth Governor of Victoria James Abbott.

The young parliamentarians come from all over Victoria, including Melbourne, Dandenong Ranges, Castlemaine, Tarniet, Wonthaggi, Mildura and Philip Island.

The YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament gives young people aged 16 – 25 the opportunity to draft, debate and vote on bills, which in turn provides valuable insight into the issues that are important to young Victorians.

Bills that pass during the event are provided to the relevant government minister for consideration.

More than 20 bills passed by Youth Parliament have gone on to become law, including laws for mandatory wearing of bike helmets, and nightclub safety reforms.

Aspiring young journalists and communicators will also attend to report on events throughout the week, pitching stories to Victorian media outlets as a part of the YMCA Press Gallery.

The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $100,000 in this year’s YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament, which aligns to the Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria.

The YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament is an all-inclusive event, with captioning services and interpreters available throughout the event.

For more information about the YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament, or for a full list of the 2018 bills, visit http://www.vicyouth.ymca.org.au/programs/youth-parliament.htmlExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos

“The YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament is a chance for young people to have their voices heard at the highest level of State Government, and to enact meaningful and sustainable change.”

“I am proud to meet the young parliamentarians and hear what matters most to each of them – and hope their participation inspires more young Victorians to get involved in shaping the future of our state.”

Quotes attributable to Youth Governor of Victoria James Abbott

“Youth Parliament brings together 120 young people who are passionate about creating positive change in areas like mental health and education.”

“What do young people want? They want to be heard, be taken seriously and make a difference. Youth Parliament does just that.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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