2009 – In Oct this year youth representatives from around Victoria entered the chambers of Parliament House in Spring St, Melbourne. They brought with them 18 pieces of legislation that they wanted implemented into Victorian law. After three days of heated debate these 18 bills were given the assent of the Youth Governor Siobhan Shaw and then passed onto the Minister for Youth Affairs for consideration. This process has been happening for over 20 years and is the major voice for young people in Victoria.
To apply for 2010 Youth Parliament or learn more click here (applicants must be 16-25)
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Youth Parliament
Jessica Moyle and Melanie Rosier discuss their bills and the process of Youth Parliament on ABC Radio. To listen to this interview click here
Youth Parliament
Youth Parliament
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Adjournment Debates
Aside from the the 18 bills brought forth, there is an opportunity to raise issues that are true to the individual. These are known as Adjournment Debates. Below are a few that took place on Thurs 1st Aug 2009 in the Chambers of Victorian Parliament.
Homosexual Blood Donation Discrimination
Rida Hazim points her finger at the Red Cross for their policy of not accepting blood donation from homosexuals. Hazim explains that there is no need for such unnecessary discrimination and that now is the time to stop furthering stereotypes.
Adjournment Debates were held in the Chambers of Parliament, Victoria, Australia on Tues 29th Sept & Thurs 1st Oct 2009.
Australian Citizenship Test
Oliver Tripodi discusses the Australian Citizenship Test during the 2009 Victorian Youth Parliament Adjournment Debates.
Tripodi was elected Youth Premier of 2009 by his peers.
Negative Relationship Between Police & Youth
Saadia Noir raises her concerns about the difficulties between the Victorian police and young people. Noir highlighted the numerous conflicts that have arisen in the Carlton and Flemington areas in recent times and requests the implementation of more programs to battle these problems.
Adjournment Debates were held in the Chambers of Parliament, Victoria, Australia on Tues 29th Sept & Thurs 1st Oct 2009.
Depression in Victoria – Raising Awareness
Prue Gurnick calls for a better approach to dealing with depression in Victoria. Gurnick talks on changing stereotypes through raising awareness and making it easier, less intimidating and more affordable for those in search of help.
Adjournment Debates were held in the Chambers of Parliament, Victoria, Australia on Tues 29th Sept & Thurs 1st Oct 2009.
Australian Voting Age Lowered to 16
Zoe Kean proposes that the legal voting age be lowered to sixteen in Australia. Kean addresses Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and suggests that voting should only become compulsory to those eighteen years and over, but should be available on a voluntary basis to those aged sixteen and seventeen who wish to vote.
Adjournment Debates were held in the Chambers of Parliament, Victoria, Australia on Tues 29th Sept & Thurs 1st Oct 2009.
More Adjournment Debates available @ vagabondmagazine youtube channel
www.vagmag.org
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Proposed Bills for 2009
- Baccus Marsh Grammar
Refunds for recyclables - Bendigo
Provision of support for the relocation of rural and regional students commencing further education - The Bridge Project
Provision of effective and sustainable programs to help reduce the recidivism rate of young offenders, through employment and education. - Carlton
Prevention of bullying and re-engagement of perpetrators in all Victorian schools - YMCA Connect
Increasing the level of support services for disadvantaged youth - Echuca (Greater Murray)
Introduction of an emergency scheme in the event of a bushfire - Ethnic Youth Council (EYC)
Increased security on Victorian trains & stations - Glen Waverley Secondary College
Promoting alternative solutions for water use - Keilor Downs College
Conversion of all Victorian buses from petrol to ethanol - Overnewton Anglican Community College
Access to alternative education for applied learning - Pascoe Vale Girls College
Regulation of textbooks in Victorian schools - Rye YMCA
Introduction of new regulations regarding the medication of youths - St Joseph’s College
Amending the Poisons, Drugs and Controlled Substances Act (1981) - UNO-Y
Improvement of restrictions for renewal of Victorian drivers licence - Victoria University
Increased securities for students in higher education - Wangaratta YMCA
The right of the terminally ill to physician assisted death - Westbourne Grammar
The introduction of grey water treatment systems in all newly built households - Williamstown High School
Advanced care housing for youth with high care needs
Legalise Euthanasia
Article featured in the Wangaratta Chronicle click here
Teens bid to end the bullying
Article featured in the Melbourne Leader click here
Future MP’s Speak Up
Article featured in multiple Start News publications click here
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