TENTERFIELD High School student Joanna Lusty has had the opportunity to experience life as an MP as she attended this year’s YMCA sponsored Youth Parliament congregation.
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Joanna was asked to perform the role as the Member for Northern Tablelands in the Legislative Assembly.
Flanked by the actual state member, Adam Marshall, Joanna said it was a fantastic experience.
“It was really great – I don’t know where to start, we did so much,” she said.
“It was very eye opening – looking into what politicians do.”
The first Youth Parliament alumnus to be elected to the NSW Parliament, Mr Marshall chaired debate on two Bills in the Legislative Council and addressed members about the life of an MP and how to get involved in leadership roles in the local community.
Mr Marshall met with Joanna on the final day of the Youth Parliament and said he was “proud” to see her contribution.
“It was a real pleasure to attend the last sitting day of the youth parliament and see our Northern Tablelands representatives and their peers debating important issues such as renewable energy initiatives and disability employment support with great gusto in the ‘bear pit’. They certainly did us proud,” he said.
All participants in the Youth Parliament were selected from across the State last year and are aged between 15 and 18.
The group is facilitated by a team of workers all aged under 25 and the Youth Parliament experience included conferences and workshops in the months leading up the Parliamentary session.
“This is a terrific initiative and I encourage any young people interested in youth leadership and governance to consider applying for the 2015 Youth Parliament,” Mr Marshall said.
Joanna said it had been a unique experience but she wasn’t quite ready to jump into politics.
“You could notice that it brought out a different side in people – it’s great for confidence.
“I don’t think I would look to take on a state and federal role but maybe at a council level later in life,” she said.
She said Mr Marshall had been very supportive throughout and was happy to answer questions.
“I would maybe want to do it again next year but leading instead.”
Joanna’s trip was sponsored by the High School P and C, Lions and Quota who helped pay for her travel costs.
The students met with Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly Shelley Hancock and were granted an opportunity to table and debate various bills.
“We were split in groups and one side would write the bill and the other would debate it – it was then passed on to politicians for consideration,” Joanna said.
One debate Joanna was involved in was the Standardisation of Suspension and Expulsion Guidelines in schools.
“I commend the YMCA and all those involved in making the sessions so successful and an enjoyable learning experience, not only for the participants, but also for MPs who take part,” Mr Marshall said.
“Young people are the future and witnessing the standard of debate this week in Parliament House, we are in good hands.”
The YMCA Youth Parliament website is www.ymcansw.org.au/centres/youth-government/ymca-nsw-youth-parliament and more information about the program can be found there.
