LOGAN and Scenic Rim politicians are urging young people with an interest in government to nominate for the 2021 Queensland Youth Parliament.
Young people have the opportunity to rub shoulders with MPs and learn the inner workings of the government. The deadline for nominating is February 14.
Logan MP Linus Power and Scenic Rim MP Jon Krause say youngsters can benefit from being involved, and become the politicians of the future.
YMCA Brisbane is searching for young people from all over the state who have an interest in leadership, the political process, or helping their community, to become members.
Nominations for the 26th Youth Parliament opened on January 25, and Queenslanders aged 15-25 years with an interest in influencing change, political science, public speaking and policy or government are encouraged to take up the opportunity.
Mr Power, a former speaker of the youth parliament, said the experience would be invaluable.
"Each year we have a young member for Logan," he said.
"That person always has a great experience and learns a lot about the process."
Mr Krause agreed it was a great chance for young people interested in politics.
"This is a very good program to learn how the system works and I know they have a great time and make good friends," he said.
"I encourage any young people interested in how our democracy works to apply."
There are 93 positions available within the Youth Parliament, and Youth Affairs Minister Meaghan Scanlon encouraged interested young people to apply.
"This is a great opportunity to learn how government works and to connect with current members of parliament," Ms Scanlon said.
"This program has a strong focus on skills in leadership, public speaking, teamwork and influencing change.
"These are important life skills that will stand any young person in good stead as they enter the workforce."
Participants will form committees and, over the course of the program, each committee will develop a Youth Bill which will be debated at Parliament House in September.
Ms Scanlon said the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament supported the government priorities of giving young people a voice as highlighted in the Queensland Youth Strategy.
"Importantly, it provides an opportunity for young people to have their say about their community's issues and concerns and learn all about parliamentary processes," Ms Scanlon said
Participants will represent their own state electorate or an electorate with which they have a personal connection such as through schooling or volunteering.
The program runs from April until October.
For more information about the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, or to nominate, email qypcoordinator@ymcabrisbane.org or go to www.ymcaqyp.org.au
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