The 2024 Y WA Youth Parliament program has begun, marking a pivotal moment for the 59 young West Australians selected.
Eight committees with varying government portfolios have been formed, each researching a specific policy area and working together to draft a bill they feel tackles important issues. This year's bills vary from ensuring educational equality between private and public schooling in WA, to implementing a state-run rental affordability scheme and introducing rehabilitative art programs in WA prisons.
Among this year’s cohort is Drew Davidson from Mt Hawthorn, set to represent the Kalamunda electorate. As a first-time parliamentarian, Drew’s was drawn to the program by his passion for the justice system, corrective services, and economic management.
Drew emphasised the importance of youth in shaping societal discourse. “The young people of today have a unique perspective on societal issues and will one day become the leaders of society”, said Drew.
“Thus, for young people to have a voice is important, as they ca provide policymakers with different ideas and become involved in a society that they will one day have an instrumental role in guiding into the future”.
The Youth Parliament agenda covers various topics from state government portfolios including Culture and The Arts, Police and Justice, Housing, and Health and Mental Health.
Training camps have been integral, providing opportunities for idea-sharing, building leadership skills, homing in on legislating skills - including drafting amendments – and fostering friendships.
A standout from the second training day was a session with ReconciliationWA, to enhance the young participants understanding of Indigenous affairs and their parliamentary responsibilities in this area.
As CEO, Dr Tim McDonald highlighted the program’s significance, stating, “what makes it [this program] so special is that it aims to be truly representative of the views and concerns of the state’s next generation of community leaders”.
Looking ahead, Youth Parliamentarians are now gearing up for their upcoming camp. The program will culminate in members attending Parliament House on 8,9 and 11 July to engage in a live debate in the chamber and thoughtful deliberations on their proposed bills.
At the conclusion of the program all bills are presented to the governor and the state government for review and consideration with several previously presented bills leading to real changes in state legislation.