THREE young people from Bassendean, Ellenbrook and Caversham earlier this month had the opportunity to represent their electorates as part of this year’s Y WA’s Youth Parliament program.

They were among 59 young people selected around the state to present and debate eight bills they had written based on issues they deemed important as reported in Students selected to youth Parliament (Echo News, May 10).

Jaeger Peters, representing the Bassendean electorate, debated the Youth and Small Business Relief Bill 2024 and chose the topic because the economy is going through a tumultuous period where many people are struggling, especially business owners.

“I think that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and so they should be supported during these times of economic downturn,” he said.

Jaeger said he would recommend Youth Parliament and said it was a wonderful opportunity to learn much about the parliamentary process and advocate for issues that matter most to you, and to get your voice heard.

Sonaa Aneja from Ellenbrook, representing Swan Hills for the first time, said she was interested in the education area of government.

“After graduating from a public high school and going into university, I was able to observe huge discrepancies between the private and public schools in WA.

"Resources, quality of content, and opportunities available were quite low for certain schools and so it is a great interest of mine to further explore and contribute to in the future,” she said.

She said she joined the program because she felt it was important to have a voice.

“The range of issues young people face are difficult to solve if they are not communicated and conveyed.

"We can’t have a better life if we don’t voice our opinions and struggles and make sure they are heard by those who are older than us and in power to make a change,” she said.
Blake Mercer from Caversham represented the Midland electorate.

The four-month program, run by the Y, offers a unique opportunity for young people to actively participate in the democratic process and have their voice heard by policy makers.

Y WA chief executive officer Dr Tim McDonald said the program, now in its 29th year, offers young people an insight into the workings of government and policy development.

The Y WA Youth Parliament is led and run by a dedicated team of young people, including volunteers and former participants, with the assistance of the Department of Communities.