Today I accepted on behalf of the State Government and Parliament the Youth Bills that were passed by students taking part in the 28th Tasmanian Youth Parliament in Hobart this week.
At the official closing ceremony I also presented around 50 youth parliamentarians in Years 10 – 12 (from close to 20 schools and colleges around the state) with certificates acknowledging their participation.
This year’s Youth Parliament theme was “speak up, be heard,” and students sat in both the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council, demonstrating the popularity of the program.
Bills that were passed by the Youth Parliament included Mandatory First Aid, Taboo Reduction, Mandatory Sexual Education, Baby Boxes for first time parents, Education Reform, Immunisation and Narcotics Regulation.
I have been thoroughly impressed with the students’ ability to articulately express their opinions on a range of complex issues, as well as the way in which they have grasped our political system and its procedures.
The Youth Bills will be provided to the leaders of each party and I have no doubt the concerns, ideas and solutions presented will help shape future policy.
The Liberal Government supported the 2015 Youth Parliament program with a $14, 750 grant through organising body, YMCA Hobart. The Tasmanian Parliament provides considerable assistance with liaison staff, catering and the venue.
I commend the students, the Youth Parliament Taskforce, the YMCA and Tasmanian Parliament staff for their efforts in ensuring the week-long event was a success and surpassed all expectations.
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