YOUNG people across the state are being sought to take part in the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.
A total of 93 young people, representing each of Queensland’s state electorates, will be selected.
Aspiring young leaders aged between 15 and 25 are encouraged to put up their hands and nominate for the Youth Parliament.
Youth Minister Di Farmer said the youth leadership program could provide a wonderful stepping stone into fulfilling careers for young Queenslanders.
“The program helps young people hone their skills in leadership, public speaking, teamwork and influencing change,” she said.
“It also gives participants an opportunity to voice their community’s issues and concerns and learn all about parliamentary processes.
“Importantly this program connects young people with their peers and with parliamentarians, helping to create networks that can extend into their working life.”
Ms Farmer said selecting a participant from each electorate meant young people from across the state had the opportunity to nominate.
“We particularly want to see nominations from people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, are from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex community, who live with disability, are culturally and linguistically diverse or who are from rural and remote areas,” she said.
“Young people in year 11 and 12 can receive one point toward their Queensland Certificate of Education after completing the program, as YMCA is accredited by the Queensland Studies Authority.”
Ms Farmer said the Queensland government provided more than $65,000 a year to the YMCA to run the program.
Participants would be brought to Brisbane in April to form committees and discuss ideas and again in September for a residential program and the opportunity to debate Bills at Parliament House.
“Between April and September committees will connect in person, via phone, or internet to draft their Bills, and to design and implement community action plans,” Ms Farmer said.
Nominations close on Friday, February 23.
For more information, visit ymcaqyp.org or email qypcoordinator@ymcabrisbane.org.
