This year’s Y WA Youth Parliament made history as all eight government and opposition Bills were passed by majority vote. The bills addressed critical issues important to West Australian (WA) youth, including child protection, education, housing, and small business support.
In addition to this remarkable legislative success, 2024 also brought a notable shift in leadership dynamics. For the first time, both the Youth Leader of the Opposition and the Youth Deputy Leader of the Opposition hailed from regional electorates, making a significant step towards greater inclusivity and representation within the program.
Seventeen-year-old Tremane Baxter-Edwards from Wyndham made history as Deputy Leader of the Opposition. His dedication to reforming WA’s juvenile detention system, a key topic put forward by the Police and Justice Committee, was evident.
“As a young Aboriginal man from the Kimberley region, I am very much aware of the dire state of youth crime and its impact on my community and across Western Australia. We aspire for all members of the Y WA Youth Parliament to collaborate with us in passing this bill, which sees to improve the juvenile justice system and benefit everyone involved in our criminal justice system.”
Looking ahead, Tremane aspires for a future in federal politics, aiming to represent regional and remote areas across Australia.
“I envision myself continuing to make a significant impact in my community, advocating for everyone who calls the Kimberley home. I take immense pride in being a Whyndam boy and representing the interests of all residents, especially the youth, in Wyndham. I see my future in politics and as a dedicated community advocate,” he added.
A heartfelt thanks was extended to His Excellency, The Governor, for hosting the Youth Parliamentarians at Government House. The Governor’s address underscored the essential role of trust in democracy and the value of democratic institutions.
As we conclude the 2024 Y WA Youth Parliament, we celebrate both the historic achievements and the remarkable spirit of cooperation and dedication among our young leaders. Their ability to tackle challenging issues and find common ground highlights the incredible potential of our youth.
Congratulations to all participants for their exceptional efforts. We look forward to the continued success of the Y WA Youth Parliament.