The 38th YMCA Victorian Youth Parliament has once again demonstrated the impact young voices can have on shaping the future of our state. From 1-4 July, 120 passionate young leaders from across regional and metropolitan Victoria gathered at Parliament House to debate and advocate for critical legislative changes.
Throughout the week, the assembly of young minds engaged in robust discussions on pressing issues such as African-Australian crime prevention, tackling hospital ramping, biodiversity initiatives and making coercive control a standalone crime in Victoria. The Legislation around coercive control was proposed by Newhaven College in Phillip Island in the same week that the NSW Parliament passed its legislation on the matter.
Youth Parliament’s Bills researched and debated by young people are not merely academic exercises but are platforms for real change. Historically, at least 68 pieces of Victorian legislation or government initiatives, addressing issues from bicycle helmet laws to the ban on single-use plastic bags – can be traced back to Youth Parliament Bills.
The 2024 program kicked off with encouraging speeches from Anthony Cianflone MP and Lindsay McMillan, Chair of the YMCA Victoria Board. Cianflone remarked,
This year’s Youth Parliamentarians have the genuine opportunity to help leave behind a legacy of a better and fairer Victoria, beyond the boundaries of their own respective local communities.
At the closing ceremony, outgoing Victorian Youth Governor Kaitlin Woolford handed over 17 successfully voted Bills to Nina Taylor MP. These Bills will be presented to the Hon Natalie Suleyman Minister for Youth for further governmental consideration, underscoring the significant role of the Victorian Youth Parliament in influencing state legislation and policies.
The Victorian Youth Parliament continues to be a testament to the power and potential of young people in driving societal change. Victorian Youth Premier Ariel Mezzacappa emphasised the relevance of this year's National Matter of Public Importance (MPI) on breaking up monopolies and duopolies, stating, "It's a necessary change we need as it affects everyone, not just young people."
New Youth Governor of Victoria, Lily Trethowan, reflected on the program's success: “Once again at Parliament House, Youth Parliamentarians and Youth Press Gallery members showed tenacity, resilience, and compassion as the leaders of today. I know then for sure that there's more out there who will join us for another marvellous program in 2025, and I'm ready for it."
The 38th YMCA Victorian Youth Parliament has not only been a forum for discussion but a catalyst for actionable change, proving once again that young people are the leaders of today and tomorrow.
For a recap visit Parliament of Victoria.