LOCAL MPs Mark Robinson and Kim Richards have lauded Redlands Youth Parliament members, saying their passion and commitment to local issues is impressive.
The opening of the 23rd YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament has seen 93 young people take a seat in the Legislative Assembly, including Redlands locals Patrick Robinson, Asha Mortel and Tahlia Henderson.
Redlands MP Kim Richards congratulated them on playing their part in such an important event.
“Patrick, Asha and Tahlia are part of a select group of 93 future leaders who each represent an electorate in Queensland,” she said.
“The trio have been working hard since being nominated in April and joining various committees of the parliament.
“For the last six months Patrick, Asha and Tahlia have been helping research, write and draft a range of bills ready to submit to parliament.”
Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson said Cleveland’s Asha Mortel was making her mark, representing the electorate of Oodgeroo.
“I first met Asha during her time at Cleveland District State High School and it was clear even then that Asha was bright, competent and destined to do great things,” Mr Robinson says.
Asha is part of the Youth Department of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources and their Youth Bill relates to land rehabilitation and management.
“...With a state the size of ours, so reliant upon agriculture and farming, agriculture, environment and natural resources is a portfolio which the government needs to manage well.”
Other district representatives are Capalaba’s Nicole Cufflin and Springwood’s Tahlia Henderson.
Child Safety Minister Di Farmer said the Youth Parliament was the next generation of decision makers.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for them to experience democracy in such an historic setting.”
“This year the YMCA received 250 nominations from young people aged 15 to 25 seeking to be part of the 23rd Youth Parliament,” she said.
Ms Farmer said the event was about encouraging leaders which was why the government provided the YMCA with more than $65,000 a year to fund the program.
This year’s youth members represent Queensland’s diversity and include young people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTIQ, living with disability and who are culturally and linguistically diverse.
Ms Farmer said the government wanted a society where the voices of all people were heard.
Ms Richards said it would be exciting to see what ideas were put forward and which were
supported in the parliament.
For more information visit ymcaqyp.org.au or qld.gov.au/ehub
