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Stand Up And Be Heard At Youth Parliament 2014

Young Victorians who want to stand up, speak out and be heard at the highest levels of State Government are encouraged to apply for the YMCA‟s Youth Parliament program.

By Russell Northe - 18th February 2014 - Back to News

Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the Youth Parliament program would give up to 120 young people a fantastic introduction into the workings of Parliament.

"This is an exciting opportunity for young people from across the state to come together to raise and debate issues that they are most passionate about," Mr Northe said.

"Since Youth Parliament began in 1987, more than 20 bills raised by young people have become law.

"This really is a proven way for young people to influence government decision-making, where we‟ve seen issues such the mandatory wearing of bike helmets and nightclub safety reforms later passed as law."

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith urged young people aged between 16-25 interested in politics to get their applications in before 7 March.

"The Victorian Coalition Government has increased funding for Youth Parliament to $75,000 annually, with $25,000 invested to encourage more young people from rural and regional areas to get involved" Mr Smith said.

"During the nine day training program participants are taught about public speaking, leadership skills, teamwork and provides an opportunity for young people to speak up for what they believe in."

"For the last three days of the program, participants „take over‟ Parliament, debating bills in the Parliamentary Chambers before handing them over for Government consideration."

The program is one of the many innovative ways the Victorian Coalition Government supports young people to be engaged in decision-making, and make a difference in their community, as outlined in its Youth Statement, Engage, Involve, Create.

The 2014 Youth Parliament will sit in the first week of July 2014.

Applications close on 7 March 2014 and can be downloaded from www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/youthparliament

To watch a short video of the 2013 Youth Parliament click here.

Media contact: Russell Northe 5133 9088

russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au www.russellnorthe.com.au 66 George St, Morwell VIC 3840 ph 03 5133 9088 fax 03 5133 9388

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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