- New Youth Governor for 2022 announced
- Unanimous Bill to end menstrual poverty
- Debate on COVID response and free RAT tests
- Bills for modernising sex education, and a code for inclusive school uniforms
The Y NSW has wrapped up an inspiring week of Youth Parliament 2021, with Member for Bega, Abbey Dawson, announced as Youth Governor 2022. Ms Dawson has been the Deputy Premier for the 2021 Youth Parliament program.
Ninety young people from across New South Wales gathered virtually to discuss, debate, advocate and legislate on issues important to them and their communities.
2022 Youth Governor Abbey Dawson
Bega resident, 18-year-old Abbey Dawson – who just graduated from Narooma High School – was officially named as Youth Governor 2022. In her election speech to be chosen for Youth Governor, Abbey Dawsom joked that she is known for talking too much but wanting to put it to good use. More seriously, she spoke of her passions and strong belief that there are three key ingredients the Youth Governor would need: leadership, courage and motivation. She promised her peers that she would lead with these qualities.
Following the initial vote to determine a shortlist for the position of Youth Governor, those standing for the role are interviewed and chosen by a panel that includes the Y NSW Youth Parliament Coordinator, another Y NSW staff member, and the outgoing Youth Governor.
As Youth Governor, Abbey will become the face of the 2022 program.
The 2021 Youth Parliament program included 12 debates, sessions on Matters of Public Importance and Question Time. Highlights of the week at Youth Parliament included:
- The unanimously passed Bill to end menstrual poverty.
- COVID-19 response was debated concluding that 10 free RAT tests should be provided.
- A code for inclusive school uniforms; embracing gender diversity, neurodiversity, religious and cultural diversity.
- A Bill to modernise sex education in schools, reflecting more diverse gender understanding, consent, issues of sexual harassment and rape, and increased teacher training on these topics.
Award winners include:
- Best Speaker on the Government: Pratham Gupta, Member for Wakehurst
- Best Speaker on the Opposition: Claire Oberdorfer, Member for Rockdale
- Youth Parliament Encouragement Award: Jayden Delbridge, Member for Wyong
- Youth Parliamentarian of the Year: Noah Smith, Member for Pittwater
- Taskforce Member of the Year Zoe Davis
The Y NSW Chief Executive Susannah Le Bron congratulated participants in a closing ceremony this afternoon.
“Our 2021 Youth Parliamentarians have delighted and dazzled us all this week. They have performed splendidly, and it is of great comfort to see that our future is in such safe, smart and caring hands,” she said. “The debates this week reveal to the community, to businesses, to Government – to everyone – why the voice of young people is so important. Why providing this incredibly valuable program and important forum, and empowering the voice of young people, is vital and needs to continue.”
Since its inception in 2002, the Youth Parliament has become a much-loved event and platform for young people in NSW to have their voices heard and discuss issues that are important to them and their peers. Youth Parliament has directly resulted in more than six items of New South Wales legislation and policy and has influenced many more.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
- Jackie Hanafie, Media Advisor, 03 9005 7353 / jackie.hanafie@ymcansw.org.au
- Lyndal Stuart, Head of Corporate Affairs on 0456 773 680 / lyndal.stuart@ymcansw.org.au
