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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-07-27 Daily Xml
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YOUTH PARLIAMENT

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (14:52): My question is for the Minister for Youth. Can the minister please inform the house on the results of the youth parliament 2011?

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Premier in Social Inclusion) (14:52): No, I am not too old to be the Minister for Youth! I thank the member for Mitchell for this very important question.

Last week, about 80 young South Australians literally took over the chambers of Parliament House for the 16th youth parliament. This really important program offers a unique opportunity for young people to express their views, develop their skills, and learn about South Australia's parliamentary system. They debated a number of subjects including things like reforming public high schools, migrant education and reducing addiction and substance abuse.

The five 'bills' that passed the youth parliament included: the Rural Student Housing Scheme Act, which is an act to subsidise the cost of housing for rural students whilst undertaking tertiary studies; the Migrant Education Act, an act to increase migrant education and cultural awareness throughout South Australia; the Music Education Act, an act to introduce mandatory music education in South Australian Primary Schools; the Workforce Participation Act, an act to increase the flexibility of operating hours for retail outlets; and the Sex Work Discrimination Act, an act to decriminalise sex work by removing criminal penalties relating to it and incorporating sex work into existing legislation.

I believe the 'bills' passed this year exemplify three things. Firstly, it shows a very clear desire on the part of young people to support those members in our community who are most vulnerable. Secondly, it shows that young people, very clearly, have strong views about lots of policy issues that go beyond what one might consider to be typical youth policy issues. Finally, this year's youth parliament has very clearly demonstrated to us that they are a group of people who are prepared to stand up and be counted, and to be heard, and for that I congratulate them.

I will be circulating to all members in this place the 14 bills, and of course to relevant government agencies, seeking their feedback. I will be very happy to provide more information. I ask all of you to join me in congratulating the 16th youth parliament.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!

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