A Liberal Nationals Government will ensure more young East Gippslanders have the chance to participate in Youth Parliament to influence and develop legislation that matters to them.

 

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull and Shadow Minister for Young Victorians Steph Ryan have announced a Liberal Nationals Government will provide $120,000 a year for four years to the YMCA to run the Youth Parliament program – an increase of $20,000 a year compared to current arrangements.

 

Mr Bull said the funding boost will ensure more young Victorians with special needs and from disadvantaged backgrounds can participate.

 

In particular, it will help the YMCA support participants who are deaf or hard of hearing and help young people travelling from rural and regional areas.

 

“Since its establishment, Youth Parliament has provided the opportunity for 3000 young Victorians to speak out on issues important to them,” Mr Bull said.

 

“This funding boost ensures that even more young people can add their voice and be part of this strong tradition.”

 

Shadow Minister for Young Victorians Steph Ryan said young people had good ideas about how to improve our state.

 

“Twenty-five bills developed and debated by Youth Parliament have gone on to become legislation,” she said.

 

“Empowering young people and taking their concerns seriously strengthens our democracy and makes today’s decision-makers accountable to the future leaders of our state.”

 

Youth Parliament was established in 1987 and is run by the YMCA in conjunction with the Victorian Government.

 

Each year, it enables 120 students aged 16 to 25 to undertake leadership training, team building and other activities. Teams of six raise $4000 to attend.

 

Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with Nationals colleague and Shadow Minister for Young Victorians, Steph Ryan, have announced a Liberal Nationals Government will provide funding for the Youth Parliament program.