Andrew Wilkie: Young Denison constituent selected to take on Canberra

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, today congratulated Nicola Ingram on her selection for the National Indigenous Youth Parliament 2014.

“Nicola Ingram and her family must feel very proud of her selection from an outstanding field of 230 applicants,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Nicola’s selection recognises her community involvement and leadership potential.

“I commend Nicola for taking the initiative to get involved in a program that is an opportunity of a lifetime. Nicola is one of hundreds of motivated young people to have leapt at the opportunity to develop the skills and know-how to make a difference for their community.

“Through the youth parliament Nicola will learn from the experts about the parliamentary process and democracy. She will meet young Indigenous Australians from across the country, build networks and hone her skills and confidence as a strong advocate for her community.”

NIYP is a week-long leadership program for 50 Indigenous Australians aged 16 to 25, held in Canberra in May 2014. The youth parliamentarians will learn how government works, how laws are made, will practice public speaking and how to engage the media.

The program includes a two-day simulated parliament in the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House where the youth parliamentarians will debate bills on matters important to themselves and their community.

“It is estimated less than half of eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are enrolled to vote,’’ Mr Wilkie said. “The aim of the youth parliament is to help close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage in electoral participation by developing young leaders willing to advocate for their community.’’

Nicola, 16, is a proud young Wiradjuri woman who is very interested, informed and active in Tasmanian Aboriginal issues. She is passionate about a referendum on Indigenous recognition, law and politics and their impact on Aboriginal peoples. Nicola formed an Indigenous student group at her school to encourage other young Indigenous students to speak up on social justice issues. Nicola’s goal is to make a positive impact and follow in the footsteps of her (late) doctor father, Wiradjuri man Dr Ross Ingram who is commemorated by the University of Newcastle Dr Ross Ingram Memorial Prize for Essays in Indigenous health.
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison