YOUNG people will have the chance to rub shoulders with MPs and learn the inner workings of government, with applications open for the 2021 Queensland Youth Parliament.
YMCA Brisbane is searching for young people aged 15 to 25 who have an interest in leadership, the political process, or helping their community, to apply by February 14.
There are 93 positions available.
Participants will represent their own state electorate or an electorate with which they have a personal connection such as through schooling or volunteering.
Electorates in the Redlands are Oodgeroo, Capalaba, Redlands and Springwood.
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- Read more: Youth Redlanders get a taste of politics at YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament
- Read more: Redlanders thrive at YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament
Brandon Harvey represented Capalaba in 2019 and 2020 and told the Redland City Bulletin last year that would like to see more people supporting Youth Parliament.
"I've always felt that young people aren't as active as they could be with politics and I feel that Youth Parliament can really inspire more young people to go out and make changes to their local communities," he said.
"With our lives becoming increasingly more chaotic and unprecedented I feel it is important to have a voice and to be active in our communities."
Youth Affairs Minister Meaghan Scanlon encouraged interested young people to apply.
"This program has a strong focus on skills in leadership, public speaking, teamwork and influencing change," she said.
"These are important life skills that will stand any young person in good stead as they enter the workforce."
Ms Scanlon said program was a way for young people to connect with peers and MPs, creating networks that extended into their working life.
"We want to make sure the voices of young Queenslanders from all backgrounds and representing the diversity in our state are heard in the Youth Parliament," 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."
Participants will form committees and, over the course of the program, each committee will develop a Youth Bill which will be debated at Parliament House in September.
The program runs from April until October and will be delivered to current COVID-safe recommendations.
For more information about the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, email qypcoordinator@ymcabrisbane.org or go to ymcaqyp.org.au
