Fifty Indigenous Youth Parliamentarians had the opportunity to debate Bills, learn more about the parliamentary process, and speak their mind on issues that they are passionate about following the conclusion of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament held in Canberra.
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The week-long program included a two-day parliament in the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, meetings with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and Members of Parliament, a reception at Government House, a special parliamentary reception with campaigners from the 1967 referendum and the families of the Mabo plaintiffs and a visit to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
The Bills debated in the House of Representatives Chamber at Old Parliament House included Indigenous human rights and race discrimination, youth mental health, restorative intervention and young offending, and access to alcohol and drug rehabilitation services in rural and remote communities.
It was both an honour and privilege to participate in this program co-ordinated by the Australian Electoral Commission.
To stand up and have my voice heard on issues that not only affect my local community, but more importantly Indigenous and non-indigenous youth across the county, was phenomenal.
I was inspired by the passionate speeches given by all 50 participants during the adjournment debates.
Topics canvassed included domestic violence, marriage equality, the out of home care system, drug and alcohol abuse and the importance of education.
Each youth parliamentarian came to Canberra with their own unique story, which they used to send a very clear message to our politicians.
Too often decisions are made regarding the youth of Australia without consultation, but this must change.
We would no longer be silenced and were determined to make our voices heard in parliament.
The highlight of the program was delivering my adjournment debate on the issue of domestic violence in NSW, in front of the Speaker of the House of Representative, the Hon. Tony Smith.
This is an issue that affects thousands of families right across Australia.
On average, we have one homicide a fortnight in NSW where domestic violence is a related factor. Most of these homicides involve women.
To put that in perspective, that’s one death of a close family member every fourteen days.
It’s the biggest single reason why women and children are now homeless.
These are the people whom we are meant to love and protect, and we are simply not doing it.
When will enough be enough?
I endeavour to implement the skills and knowledge acquired during the program within my local community and employment.
I have always had a keen interest in politics and one day would like to pursue this interest.
However, for now, I am content with the path that I am on.
That is to become a teacher and ultimately a school principal.
Education gives you knowledge, and knowledge is power.
It is “unreasonable people who change the world”.