Today I had the pleasure of officially opening the 28th annual Tasmanian Youth Parliament at Parliament House in Hobart which I believe is the first time the ‘real’ Speaker of the House of Assembly has presided.

More than 50 students in Years 10 – 12 from close to 20 schools and colleges around the state are taking part in the week-long event with the theme of “speak up, be heard.”

Youth Parliament is an innovative program run by young people for young people, aimed at educating and empowering our youth through public speaking, whilst also providing them with opportunities to engage with elected Members, contribute their opinions and help to shape political policy.

Participants sit in both the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council, with several sessions to be chaired by ‘real’ Members of Parliament from both chambers.

The Youth Parliament program provides Tasmanian students with a unique insight into parliamentary processes such as writing legislation, debating bills and understanding the Standing Orders as well as learning more about our Westminster system of government.

The annual event is organised by a not-for-profit group of volunteers under the age of 25 called the Tasmanian Youth Government Association Task Force, the YMCA and the Tasmanian Government, which has provided a $14,750 grant towards this year’s Youth Parliament.

Bills scheduled to be debated include opt-out organ donation, decrimilisation of low level narcotics, transforming Tasmania into the Silicon Valley of the nation, instituting a ‘baby-box’ for new parents, gambling reform and many other topics chosen by the students.

Bills that are passed and policy documents formulated will be presented to the Government at the end of the week.

I am looking forward to hosting participants at the Youth Parliament Reception on Thursday evening, to also be attended by the Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AM as well as MPs and community figures.

Having been involved for several years, I am proud to support a program that provides a fantastic forum for bright young Tasmanians to express their ideas and better understand the importance of politics in a democratic society.

This year Youth Parliament coincides with National Youth Week, held from 10 – 19 April.
Elise Archer, Speaker of the House of Assembly