YMCA Youth Parliament
[3] Participants spend time in committees developing bills, and then attend a week-long camp during which the legislation and other motions are debated in the state parliament.
The program selects one individual, aged 15 to 25 years old, to represent each electorate in the state, for a total of 93 participants (known as Youth Members).
[24][non-primary source needed] YMCA South Australia[25][circular reference] Youth Parliament is a non-partisan program providing a platform for young people aged 15 – 25 to have their say on important issues, build skills and parliamentary understanding.
Every year, young leaders come together to learn about public speaking, parliamentary etiquette, bill development and youth advocacy.
They share their big ideas, discuss the challenges facing South Australia and create solutions in the form of Youth Bills.
Cassandra Attwood, a past participant, commented, "I want to be a lawyer, so I think it gives me a lot of good experience in public speaking and being able to think on your feet," she said.
[28] Playford mayor Glen Docherty, Australia's Labor minister Kate Ellis, and policy adviser, Mia Handshin are alumni of the program.
Government Whip Felicity Grey stated, "It’s a good way to get into public speaking and to meet not only like minded people but to have your own opinions challenged.
[6] The Youth Parliament, supported by the Victoria government, have seen more than 20 of their bills passed into law, including alcohol, bike and nightclub safety measures.
Wahid Omid Talked said: "all Hazara asylum seekers who comes to Australia and seek protection here are prosecuted by Taliban and other terrorist and extremist groups."
Participants spend time in committees developing bills, and then attend a week-long camp during which the legislation and other motions are debated in the Western Australian Parliament.
They spent one week in Canberra and learned about the process of making laws, public speaking and fielding inquiries from the media.
[36] The State News Service reported that "The Bills passed by the Youth Parliament will then be presented to Government representatives for consideration in developing policies.
Tom Rogers, Acting Electoral Commissioner, said: "The young participants have returned to their communities to share their NIYP experiences and skills, and we look forward to seeing them again, who knows, perhaps as elected Members of Parliament.
