Lockdowns can’t stop our young peoples’ voices being amplified this year – as the NSW youth parliament team powered on through lockdown to hold a virtual mock debate recently, chaired by Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Veterans, Mr James Griffin MP. This year’s cohort had their voices heard on issues that matter to them.

We love tuning in to what matters most to young people, as they continue to passionately debate bills through the Y’s Youth Parliament Programs taking place this week (SA & WA). Victoria, Brisbane & the NSW (live event) will now all run in Sept/Oct this year.

2021 hot topics (so far):

– Environment: Recycling Revitalisation Initiative Bill 2021; The Food Wastage Reduction Bill 2021, Green Industry Manufacturing, Mining and Energy Future Bill 2021.

– Recovery: Mandatory #COVID19Vaccines for all Australians 2021; Creative Industry Relief Bill 2021; Tourism, Infrastructure and Growth Bill 2021.

– Justice/ Equity: First Nations Peoples Cultural Awareness School Training Bill 2021& Mandatory Sexual Consent Bill 2021.

The Y believes that when young people are inspired, they are powerful world shapers and changers – and not surprisingly, this year we see a strong focus from young people on issues relating to recovery, justice, equity and environmental sustainability.