Youth Parliament inspires a new generation

Relevant Ministers will now consider a range of proposals including bike borrowing hubs, student public transport concessions and equitable road tolls.

“ ‘It has been an outstanding week of debate and democracy.’ ”

Albert Park MP Nina Taylor

Albert Park MP Nina Taylor received the Bills from Youth Governor Kaitlin Woolford at Thursday’s Closing Ceremony.

‘A lot of people have worked incredibly hard to make Youth Parliament a reality, and to each and every one of you, thank you,’ she said.

More than 100 participants aged 16-25 made up 20 teams of schools, and youth and community organisations from across the state.

‘Representation is so important in our democracy and your voice is needed and appreciated,’ Warrandyte MP Nicole Werner said.

‘It is inspiring to witness so many young people passionately engaging in the intricacies of civic life and tackling issues that resonate deeply within their communities.’

The young participants weren’t afraid to tackle topical and confronting matters, including domestic violence.

Newhaven College’s Bill to criminalise coercive control as a standalone offence passed the Legislative Council on the final day of debate.

An innovative Bill developed by Manor Lakes College to implement bike borrowing hubs in Victoria passed the Legislative Assembly.

‘We need your fresh ideas, we need your energy to take action to help solve some of those intractable issues that this planet is facing,’ YMCA Victoria CEO Carolyn Morris said.

Bill proposals for mandatory desexing of pets, legalising cannabis and better preparing students for VCE and life after school didn’t pass but were still fiercely debated.

Youth Governor Kaitlin Woolford announced Lily Trethowan would take on the role in 2025.

Awards for debating were handed to Jemima McArdle in the Legislative Council and Rumaysa Salman in the Legislative Assembly.

The full list of Bills -

Passed:

Implementation of bike borrowing hubs in Victoria 

Expansion of AUSLAN education

Reduction of hospital ramping

Education reform

Improved disability education in the workplace 

Increased housing affordability for tertiary students

Revitalising public transport services for rural and regional Victorians

Increasing of education and support on intergenerational trauma, intersectionality and cultural competency

Supporting biomass fuel in Victoria

Student public transport concession

Improved access and suitable care to mental health

Equitable tolls (accessible road tolls)

African-Australian crime prevention

Improved agricultural sustainability and biodiversity

Criminalising coercive control as a stand-alone offence

Inclusive urban design: eliminating 'hostile architecture'

Mandatory concussion education

Not passed:

Supporting the legalisation of cannabis

Mandatory desexing of pets

Better prepare students for VCE and life after school