Northern Tablelands Youth MP Imogen McDonald siting in the Speaker’s Chair alongside her senior counterpart Adam Marshall today.
Tuesday, 16 July 2019
INVERELL High School Year 11 student Imogen McDonald is experiencing life as a Member of Parliament this week, taking part in the 2019 NSW YMCA Youth Parliament, at the home of democracy in the State on Sydney’s Macquarie Street.
The successful Youth Parliament program is for students in Years 10-12 and provides a platform for young people to have their voices heard through legislative debate and decision making.
As a high school student, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall took part in the inaugural Youth Parliament and today he was delighted to be on hand to meet his youth MP counterpart Imogen and welcome her to Parliament House.
“Imogen is an incredible asset to her school community and I was impressed by the way she stood up when it came to speaking about issues which impact her home town and regional NSW,” Mr Marshall said.
“This week Imogen is learning a great deal about our democracy, how Parliament operates, legislation becomes law and, most importantly, making new friends and learning new skills for life.
“I was humbled to be in the same room as some of our state’s, and possibly even our country’s, future political leaders.
“Youth Parliament is a rare opportunity for young people to hone their public speaking skills and sharpen their debating techniques on one the country’s most brutal political stages – the floor of the NSW Legislative Assembly or ‘bear pit’.”
Mr Marshall also spent some time in the Speaker’s chair of the Legislative Assembly, chairing the Business and Employment session of today’s Youth Parliament program.
All participants in the Youth Parliament were selected from across the State and are in Years 10-12 at NSW schools.
The group is facilitated by a team of workers all aged under 25 and the Youth Parliament experience included workshops in the days leading up the Parliamentary session.
“This is a terrific initiative and I encourage any young person interested in youth leadership and governance or community involvement to consider applying for the 2020 Junior and Youth Parliaments,” Mr Marshall said.
“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.
“Young people are our future and witnessing the standard of debate this week in Parliament House, we are in good hands.”