Youth Parliamentarians Take their Seats in Parliament
For a week each year since 1987 the corridors of Parliament have been thrown open to young Victorians.
Teams of young people aged 16-25 raise and debate a range of contemporary issues in the chambers. For most members of the Moyne NextGen! Youth Parliament team, this will be their first visit to Parliament House.
In the lead up to Youth Parliament, the Moyne NextGen! team had the pleasure of meeting Natalie Wellard, Worksafe manager in Legislative Services and Reform to discuss their Mandatory Drug Testing at Construction Sites Bill.
Over 120 Youth Parliamentarians take their seats in the chambers of the Victorian Youth Parliament, on Monday 27 June, Tuesday 28 June and Thursday 30 June 2022.
Meet your 2022 Youth Parliamentarians!
Timothy Reesink, Garvoc
Why did you decide to join the Youth Parliament team?
I enjoy learning, discussing and thinking through ideas and perspectives that are new to me. I don't have much parliament or legislative experience but I think it is a really important process that has significant impact on our State.
What issues are important to you?
Sustainability of the agriculture, technology, political and education sectors.
What does a better Moyne look like to you?
A better connected community by utilising technology, population geography and improved travel infrastructure.
Tell us three things we might not know about you:
1. I am a twin! My brother is fraternal and we sometimes have to convince people that we are actually twins
2. I love trains, especially the infrastructure that goes with it.
3. I left school after year 10 because I didn't enjoy it! But now I really love studying/school.
Samuel Sutcliffe, Koroit
Why did you decide to join the Youth Parliament team?
To experience and learn the law making and political processes to open doors for my future
What issues are important to you?
Sustainability of our future and everything that will effect us in the long term e.g. Climate change, pollution, political and social stability, resource management.
What does a better Moyne look like to you?
A better Moyne is progressive and setting an example for others and our future.
Ella Shelden, Hamilton
Why did you decide to join the Youth Parliament team?
So that I can make a difference and learn more about our political and parliamentary system.
What issues are important to you?
Human rights, environment and climate issues and mental health.
What does a better Moyne look like to you?
To me, a better Moyne Shire is where people are happy, healthy and accepting of all.
Oscar Bourke, Warrnambool
Why did you decide to join the Youth Parliament team?
Particularly over the pandemic period I have developed an interest in Australian politics and find myself motivated to want to be able to affect the shape and tone it will have in the future
What issues are important to you?
Education, socioeconomic inequality, a lack of community focused infrastructure as well as government accountability and transparency.
What does a better Moyne look like to you?
A place that is more culturally engaged.
Robert Egan, Warrnambool
Why did you decide to join the Youth Parliament team?
To see how the legislative process works and use that experience and knowledge to make policies that could benefit the community.
What issues are important to you?
Homelessness and poverty in Australia, and the treatment of our indigenous people.
What does a better Moyne look like to you?
Inclusive and safe.
Tell us three things we might not know about you:
- I have a great uncle with the same name as me
- My middle name is based on a character from Blue Heelers
- That my most desired goal when I grow up is to help the homeless and low socio economic people in the community of any given town or country.
Allyza Catapang
Why did you decide to join the Youth Parliament team?
I have always been passionate about my own beliefs and I promised myself that one day I would stand up and speak even if I was scared! I wanted to join because I wanted to learn and speak for the things I was passionate about and I wanted to take a step in using my voice to support others. Being in Youth Parliament meant that I could find the confidence to speak my truth so when I found this opportunity,
What issues are important to you?
I am passionate about issues such as women's rights and LGBTQI+ rights, climate change, educational reforms, mental health and many more. I have always made it a priority to be someone who does their best to educate themselves and elevate the voices of fellow young BIPOC and LGBTQI+ peers. I am passionate about how activism should always be intersectional and inclusive to all young people and to all Victorians.
Tell us three things we might not know about you:
- I love reading classic literature books and non-fiction books.
- I love writing at night, especially when I can have music in the background.
- I love exploring cafes in Melbourne whenever I get the chance.